1998 Château Montrose Saint-Estèphe Grand Cru Classé

Château Montrose 1998: robust Bordeaux with old-fashioned class

Saint-Estèphe is known for its robust wines, and Château Montrose is perhaps the most striking example. This 1998 is a classic Montrose: muscular, serious, and with a pronounced structure not often seen in modern Bordeaux.

The wine is now over 25 years old, but that doesn't automatically mean it's reached its peak. In fact, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated it 91 points at the end of 2023. According to critic William Kelley, it opens with aromas of sweet blackberries, moist earth, cigar leaf, and spices. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with a rich core of fruit and persistent, powdery tannins that carry through to the savory finish.

That doesn't make this an easy-drinking, easy-drinking wine for everyone, but it is a true connoisseur's wine. Serious, classic, even a little austere. A wine that demands time—and deserves it.

Saint-Estèphe in 1998: strength and structure

1998 was a challenging year in Bordeaux, with a cool spring and changeable weather during the flowering period. But from August onwards, the weather improved, and many successful wines were made, particularly on the Left Bank – where Cabernet Sauvignon dominates. This was especially true in Saint-Estèphe, where the thick gravel soils drained well and the grapes were able to ripen slowly and evenly.

Château Montrose capitalized on these conditions. The estate is known for its classic style, robust extraction, and long oak aging. In a vintage like 1998, this means a wine with plenty of structure, capable of aging for decades. But also a wine that needs time to reveal its layers.

That's exactly what you taste. No frills, no excessive wood or sweet fruit, but a wine that unfolds in layers. Blackberries, cedar, graphite, humus, and tobacco. Perfect with stews or game, but also simply for an evening with good glasses and patience.

older wine: not an exact science

Wine is and remains a natural product. No two bottles are exactly the same, especially after 25 years or more. How a wine develops depends on factors such as storage conditions, temperature, light, and even the cork. Therefore, it's important to remain realistic with older wines.

Robert Parker's review gives a good impression of the overall quality of this wine. But your bottle might have evolved a bit further – or perhaps still taste surprisingly youthful. That's what makes it exciting and unique. Every bottle tells its own story.

A wine like this Montrose 1998 isn't a ready-made experience, but a snapshot. Open it carefully, decant well in advance, and take your time savoring it. That's what mature Bordeaux is all about.

What does Château Montrose 1998 taste like now?

According to William Kelley (The Wine Advocate), this is still a robust, serious wine. The nose is rich and earthy: think blackberries, forest floor, spices, and cigar box. On the palate, you notice it's still powerful, with a core of fruit and still-evident tannins. The finish is savory, dry, and lingering.

That means: not a soft, velvety Bordeaux, but one with bite. A wine you can easily decant for an hour or two. Serving it with hearty food also helps – a sirloin steak, game stew, or even roasted mushrooms are perfect accompaniments.

For lovers of old-school Bordeaux, this is a beautiful bottle. Not one to show off at a party, but one to savor in peace.

Would you like to order Château Montrose 1998 online?

At Grandcruwijnen, this wine is safely stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse. This way, you can be sure it's been stored under the correct conditions. Ordering is easy through the webshop. And if you select "Pickup" at checkout, you'll immediately see the discount you'll receive. It's so convenient.