2016 chateau montrose 2eme cru classe, saint-estephe
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Why We're Buying
Château Montrose is one of the most respected second-growth Bordeaux wine estates. The winery in the Saint-Estèphe appellation has produced intensely tannic and powerful red wines for almost two centuries. Château Montrose isn't just cruising on its reputation. It has had a 100-point vintage in three consecutive decades from wine critic Robert Parker (1980s, 1990s, 2000s).
Critics Scores
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Montrose is a little youthfully shy to begin, but with coaxing, it unfurls to reveal the most beguiling scents of wilted roses, oolong tea, crushed rocks, wild sage, star anise and candied violets over a wonderfully pristine, well-defined core of crushed blackcurrants, black raspberries and kirsch plus wafts of pencil lead and wood smoke. The taut, muscular, medium to full-bodied palate straddles jaw-dropping intensity and finesse superbly, featuring a solid backbone of ripe tannins and giving a firm frame right through the incredibly long, exquisitely nuanced finish.
D97Decanter
Lightly smoky damson scents are joined by coffee and violet edging. There's a touch of modern sweetness that's extremely well done, alongside a shot of freshness and fairly high acidity. They have really worked the tannins in this vintage to ensure they are deep but flexible. Just five minutes in the glass and things deepen, widen and open up; the density and precision clear to see. Harvested 23 September to 14 October, and bottled in July 2018.
James Suckling
The floral and fresh aromas to this are mesmerizing. Roses and lilacs galore. The pure cab aromas coming from the glass – blackcurrants and blackberries – are so memorable. Full-bodied, deep and profound. The ultra-fine tannins on the palate are so polished and fine-grained. The finish goes on for minutes with subtle yet superb fruit. It’s all about precision and form here. A modern classic for Montrose. Better after 2026.
Jeb Dunnuck
Unquestionably one of the top 2-3 wines of the vintage, the 2016 Château Montrose is a monument in the making. Checking in as a blend of 68 Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 Merlot, and 7 Cabernet Franc raised in 60 new French oak (the balance was in once-used barrels) and representing a tiny 36 of the production, this deep purple-colored 2016 possesses powerful, incredibly classic Saint-Estephe notes of creme de cassis, graphite, damp earth, lead pencil shavings, and burning embers. With a powerful, full-bodied style on the palate, a huge mid-palate, lots of underlying structure and tannic grip, and perfect balance, this magical wine will need upwards of a decade or cellaring and keep for 40-50 years.
Wine Spectator
Very pure, with lilac, violet, cassis, bitter cherry and damson plum notes streaming through in lockstep right from the start. A fine chalky underpinning gives the finish a sleek and racy edge. A beautifully precise wine, with a lot in reserve, that could benefit from a little added weight in the cellar. Best from 2025 through 2040.
Wine Enthusiast
While this wine’s tannins are powerful. they are buried in a surprisingly soft texture of rich black fruits. With both structure and ripe blackberry flavors, the wine is already balanced. A juicy aftertaste lifts the tannins, pushing the wine into greatness. Drink from 2025.
Decanter
Lightly smoky damson scents are joined by coffee and violet edging. There's a touch of modern sweetness that's extremely well done, alongside a shot of freshness and fairly high acidity. They have really worked the tannins in this vintage to ensure they are deep but flexible. Just five minutes in the glass and things deepen, widen and open up; the density and precision clear to see. Harvested 23 September to 14 October, and bottled in July 2018.
Vinous
The 2016 Montrose displays a pixelated, detailed bouquet that is supremely focused. There is more “airiness” to this wine [compared to previous bottles], and an expressive floral component of pressed iris and incense that is wonderfully entwined with the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins, quite sensual and utterly harmonious, leading to a caressing but very deep, quite profound finish. Like the 2016 Meyney that preceded it, this is very persistent and should age with style and charm.