A benchmark vintage for Montrose, 2019 delivers power with exceptional poise. Deeply colored and aromatically expressive, it opens with layers of cassis, violets, graphite, and subtle spice. The palate is plush yet taut, structured by refined, ripe tannins and a vibrant acid backbone. Despite its density and concentration, there's remarkable finesse and polish throughout, promising decades of graceful evolution. A modern classic with one foot rooted firmly in tradition.

Decanter | D 98
Published: Oct 31, 2023
Drink: 2027-2047

Another triumph from Montrose. Dense, rich and powerful, there is plenty of new oak evident at the moment (60% used). A beautifully sculpted wine which has power and structure, yet huge reserves of plush, refined tannins. Violets pervade the nose together with an inky, opaque hue all pointing to a very long future. Finishes a little dry at the moment but this will resolve with several years careful cellaring. A great St-Estèphe with masses of class and concentration.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 14.40%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 5% Cabernet Franc 64% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Merlot

The Wine Advocate | RP 97
Published: Dec 21, 2023
Drink: 2027-2065

As I wrote last year, the 2019 Montrose is performing very well, wafting from the glass with a dramatic, perfumed bouquet of wild berries and cassis mingled with notions of lilac, violets, pencil shavings and licorice, framed by nicely integrated new oak. Full-bodied, layered and seamless, it's deep and multidimensional, with lively acids, beautifully refined tannins and a long, resonant finish. While analytically it's almost as powerful as the 2018, the 2019 is much more suave, sensual and polished, its tannic structure and alcohol more harmoniously integrated into its sweet core of fruit.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 97
Published: Feb 20, 2022

Blueberries, cracked white and black pepper with dried flowers. Some crushed stone and slate, too. Full-bodied with tannins that grow on the palate and continue on. it'spolished and very fine with lovely length. Drink after 2027

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 18.5
Published: Oct 26, 2023
Drink: 2030-2050

64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot.
Deepest crimson with purple rim. Fabulous aroma of pure, ripe, fresh cassis and a light note of cedary is utterly compelling. And the palate is also a masterclass in tannic finesse. Powerful, elegant and fresh, with no sense of overripeness and freshness in the tannins as much as in the acidity.

Chateau-montrose.com

Main characteristics of the vintage 2019
2019 marked an important step in the progression of our environmental approach, which now concerns the entire vineyard. This year, the good climatic conditions combined with our “green” farming methods enabled us to obtain a beautiful harvest combining quality and quantity. A great vintage ending in “9” and one of the hottest of the past decade.
The exceptionally mild and dry winter was marked by temperatures above average for the season. On 13 and 14 April, our vineyard, which benefits from the moderating influence of the estuary, was spared from frost. The rains in the two first weeks of June led us to fear the development of disease but the vines remained in very good health and we maintained our environmental course.
During the two heatwaves in June and July, our clay soils and their great capacity to regulate water allowed the vines to avoid water stress. Full flowering, uniform and quick, took place during the first week of June.
The first signs of colour change appeared from July 30th. A uniform veraison followed, slowed down by cool and rainy weather in August.
Despite some intermittent rain harvest took place under good conditions from September 19th to October 8th. Our intra-plot picking followed by tailor-made vinification allowed us this year to obtain 80 batches of free-run wine and 7 batches of press wine for our blends. The high quality of the Merlot batches allowed us this year, as in 2009, to increase the proportion of this grape variety in the final blend to 30%.
The first tastings suggest a vintage very close to the 2016 with a beautiful structure of ripe, precise, concentrated tannins placing it among the great vintages of Montrose.

Period of harvest: From September 19th to October 8th

Blending
Cabernet Sauvignon : 64%
Merlot : 30%
Cabernet Franc : 5%
Petit Verdot : 1%

Tasting notes
Unbelievably intense, the colour is of the deepest red.
A wonderfully powerful wine, it is delicate and very harmonious on the nose. Aeration will allow black fruit aromas and notes of smokiness and vanilla to develop.
The palate is intense, concentrated and perfectly structured, underpinned by lush aromas of ripe fruit. The tannic structure is complex and silky.
2019 is ranked among the very best vintages of Château Montrose, revealing all the richness of its terroir.