Château Montrose 2002
Review of the Estate
Chateau Montrose began as a plot of heather-covered land that was bequeathed to Thèodore Dumoulin by his father Etienne. The land at Chateau Montrose was originally part of the Calon-Sègur estate that Etienne acquired in 1778. By 1820, Thèodore had constructed a small chateau and vine plantings were already underway. Eventually the area was split from the greater Calon-Sègur estate and was renamed as Montrose-Sègur. By 1855 it had expanded to 50 hectares and was known simply as Chateau Montrose. At this point it was also classified as a deuxième cru (Second Growth).
Eventually Chateau Montrose was sold to M. Mathieu Dolfus, shortly after the passing of Thèodore. Under Dolfus, the cellars at Chateau Montrose were greatly expanded and he invested heavily in estate developments and infrastructure. This included the creation of a programme that provided benefits for vineyard workers and the construction of a small railway to transport wine from Chateau Montrose down to the riverside.
Soon after Dolfus passed away, in 1896 Chateau Montrose came into the ownership of the Charmolue family, who safely shepherded the chateau through the phylloxera epidemic and two World Wars, including the recovery process after the estate suffered bomb damage in WWII.
In 2006 Chateau Montrose was purchased from the Charmolue family by brothers Martin & Olivier Bouygues and they remain the current owners. However, in recognition of the important role that the Charmolue family played in the history of Chateau Montrose, the name of the estate's second wine, La Dame de Montrose (named for Yvonne Charmolue, who ran the estate from 1944 to 1960) remains unchanged.
Vineyard
Surface area: 169.2 acres
Grape Varieties: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot
Average age of vines: 43 years
Density of plantation: 9,000 vines per hectare
Average yields: 42 hectoliters per hectare
Average cases produced: 16,500 per year
Plateau of maturity: 3 - 25 years post-1970, 15 - 25 years pre-1970
Château Montrose 2002 Reviews / Tasting Notes
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate
Point Score: 89
The 2002 Montrose was a little fire-cracker in its youth and I had such high expectations. However, recent showings indicate that its either going through an awkward stage or just running out of steam. It is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot picked from 30 September until 12 October. Here, it has a healthy deep color. So far, so good. The nose is quite closed at first and perhaps even curmudgeonly, reluctantly offering blackberry, charcoal and sandalwood aromas. The palate is masculine, aloof, structured but lacking this Saint Estephe's customary charm, with a slight dustiness on the finish. It is impressive in a surly way. The question is: Do I wish to drink such a stubborn and surly wine? Tasted January 2016.
Wine Spectator
Point Score: 92
Very pretty aromas of blackberries, spices and milk chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and a silky mouthfeel. Still tight but refined and long. Just as I remember.--Non-blind Chateau Montrose vertical. Best after 2008. 12,500 cases made. -JS
Stephen Tanzer - Vinous
Point Score: 89-93
(62% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot) Bright, full ruby-red. Very fresh aromas of black cherry, cassis, licorice and mint. Juicy, vibrant and tightly wound, with sharply delineated flavors and lovely inner-mouth perfume. Very stylish wine, finishing with firm but ripe tannins, subtle length and excellent grip. Classic claret and classic traditional St. Estephe.