Journey to the heart of Château Montrose 2nd Cru Classé from the Médoc

Imagine a vast gravelly plateau where the hills burst with heather in spring, overlooking the Gironde estuary: welcome to Château Montrose, Second Grand Cru Classé from Saint-Estèphe. One domaine where tannic power meets saline elegance, in a setting shaped by the Atlantic winds. Its quest for precision, the environmental commitment of the Bouygues brothers and the consistency of its vintages make it an emblem of Bordeaux excellence; a unique sensory and philosophical experience.

History of domaine

Family origins (1815–1861)

Founded in 1815 by Étienne Théodore Dumoulin, THE domaine It was born on a moor of pink heather, hence its name "Mont Rose". In 1855, Montrose is classified Second Grand Cru, an exceptional honor for a young vineyard of only 40 years. Upon the death of Dumoulin in 1861, the domaine already covers 95 hectares, its current area.

From industrialization to modernity

In 1866, Mathieu DollfusAn enlightened industrialist modernized the operation: construction of buildings, administrative reorganization, and installation of a wind turbine which saved the vineyard from phylloxera by flooding the underground lance — an emblematic symbol still visible today.

In 1896the family Charmolüe acquires Montrose : she will impose bottling at château from the beginning of the 20th century, a sign of quality and prestige, and will ensure lasting stability for three generations.

From 2006property of the brothers Martin and Olivier Bouygues, THE domaine begins a major renovation (€55 million invested), including high-tech wineries, the installation of solar panels, an ambitious environmental approach and a structure geared towards global excellence.

Vineyard

Geographical location

The vineyard extends over 95 hectares all in one piece Saint-Estèphe, the northernmost commune of the Médoc. Nestled against the estuary, it benefits from a temperate microclimateprotected from frost by the moderating effect of the Gironde and naturally ventilated by Atlantic breezes.

Terroir and grape varieties

• Soils: deep gravels mixed with clayey sands on a clayey-marly subsoil that can reach 4 to 6 m, promoting natural drainage and deep rooting.

• Grape varieties planted: approximately 60–65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25–32% Merlot, 6–10% Cabernet Franc And 2% Petit Verdot.

• Average age of vines: between 35 and 45 years oldguaranteeing concentration and depth.

Winegrowing practices

• Grape harvest 100% manual, successive sorting and even density sorting in demanding vintages like 2024.

• Sustainable viticulture biodynamics, with plowing, manual leaf removal and green harvesting to preserve the physiological balance of the vine.

• Sustainable commitment under HVE3 certification or equivalent, within an environmental model dynamic.

Winemaking and aging

Oenological methods

• Winemaking parcel in stainless steel or concrete tanks, followed by a long maceration (between 20 and 25 days depending on the vintage), with precise pump-overs and rackings.

• Breeding of 18 to 19 months in French oak barrels, including 60% new, sourced from several prestigious coopers.

• Traditional fining with egg whites, regular racking interventions to stabilize the tannic structure and refine the balance of the wine.

Evolution of style

• Montrose remains faithful to a classic, powerful and tannic style, but since 2006, management has favoured a a more precise and fresh approach, with gentle extraction, controlled aromatic intensity and fine acidity.

• The 2024 vintage perfectly illustrates this transition: extreme finesse, saline nervousness, luminous fruit and refined classic spirit.

Featured: Château Montrose (2024 vintage)

Technical specifications

• Assembly : 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc.

• Livestock farming: approximately 18 months in barrels, with 60% new.

• Alcohol content: ≈ 12.9 %.

Tasting

• Dress : deep garnet highlighted with purplish reflections, a sign of intensity and youth.

• Nose : blackcurrant, blackberry, elderberry, floral (iris, violet) and mineral notes (graphite, tobacco, licorice).

• Mouth : pure attack, crystalline texture, ultra-fine tannins, vertical mineral dynamics, long and saline finish (licorice, cocoa, sweet spices).

• A Montrose “Super-classic, nervy” according to Neal Martin; brighter and more digestible than some previous opulent vintages.

Food and service pairings

• Ideal temperature: 16–17 °C.

• Recommended dishes: game birds (quail, pheasant), leg or rack of roast lamb, beef in pastry, mature cheeses (aged Comté, Bleu de Bresse).

THE Château Montrose perfectly embodies the balance between the classic requirement of a Cru Classé and an environmentally friendly modernity. Since the arrival of Bouygues brothers, THE domaine has become a model of sustainable excellence, with a philosophy centered on precision, rigor and ecological awareness.

THE vintage 2024, Already praised by many critics, it confirms the unique identity of Montrose A deep, fresh, elegant wine with exceptional length. For lovers of great Bordeaux, this is a wine to discover, to savor in a fine cellar, or to enjoy en primeur. Cavissima.