2021 Château Montrose Saint-Estèphe Grand Cru Classé Magnum

Château Montrose Winery

Château Montrose ranks among the very best in Saint-Estèphe and was classified as a Deuxième Grand Cru Classé in 1855. Situated directly on the Gironde estuary, the estate benefits from a unique microclimate combined with deep, gravelly soils. Montrose is known for its consistent style, focusing on structure, freshness, and aging potential. The wines mature slowly and often only truly achieve their full potential after many years. Sustainability and precision in the vineyard are playing an increasingly important role at the château.

More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Saint-Estèphe and the 2021 vintage

Saint-Estèphe is known for powerful, structured wines with a pronounced Cabernet Sauvignon backbone. Its proximity to the Gironde helps mitigate extreme weather conditions, while the soils provide natural drainage and concentration.

The 2021 vintage was characterized by a cool growing season with relatively high rainfall. For top estates like Montrose, this resulted in wines with lower alcohol, crisp acidity, and classic balance. Instead of power, Montrose's 2021 vintage showcases precision, elegance, and depth.

Vineyards and terroir of Château Montrose

The vineyards of Château Montrose are situated on a large, contiguous plot with deep gravel layers over clay. This combination ensures even ripening and a pronounced mineral undertone in the wines.

The riverside location plays a key role in preserving freshness and aromatic tension. The vines are of average age, which contributes to concentration and consistency of quality.

Grape varieties and composition

The 2021 Château Montrose is blended from 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone, providing structure, freshness, and ageing potential.

Merlot adds roundness and juicy fruit, while Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot contribute aromatic complexity and spice. The blend perfectly reflects the classic Montrose profile.

Harvest and vinification

The harvest was carried out with strict selection in both the vineyard and cellar. Due to the cool growing season, extra attention was paid to the optimal harvest time for each plot, ensuring a balance between ripeness and freshness.

Vinification focused on precision and controlled extraction. Maturation took place in oak barrels, with the wood carefully integrated to enhance structure and complexity without overpowering the fruit.

Magnum size and maturation advantage

This wine is offered in a magnum format. The larger bottle size allows the wine to develop more slowly and evenly than in a standard bottle. This results in additional refinement, better tannin integration, and a significantly longer drinking window. For a wine with Montrose's aging potential, magnum is a particularly attractive choice.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine reveals a deep, dark ruby red color. The aroma is intense and layered, with notes of cassis, blackcurrant, and dark fruit, complemented by hints of mint, orange peel, graphite, pencil shavings, and spices.

On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a concentrated core of pure fruit. The tannins are refined and ripe, providing grip yet maintaining a silky texture. The flavor develops in layers, culminating in a long, harmonious, and resonant finish.

Structure, style and storage potential

The 2021 Château Montrose is a wine that doesn't shout its power, but rather builds gently. The style is classic and understated, with a clear focus on balance and length.

Thanks to its structure, fresh acidity, and refined tannins, this wine has exceptional aging potential. In magnum format, it can easily mature for decades and will continue to gain in complexity.

Summary of professional reviews

William Kelley rates the 2021 Château Montrose 97 points, calling it one of the absolute highlights of the vintage, with its enormous depth and precision. Neal Martin awards it 95 points, highlighting its elegance, purity, and silky structure. Antonio Galloni rates the wine 96+ points, describing it as a classic Montrose that needs time, yet combines elegance and power. The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

Would you like to order Château Montrose wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

Rack of lamb with rosemary and a concentrated jus complements the structure and finesse of the wine.

Beef fillet with black pepper and mushrooms goes well with the refined tannins and depth.

Duck breast with a light spicy sauce combines beautifully with the dark fruit and freshness.

Slow-cooked beef shank with bay leaf and thyme enhances the layering and strength.

Roasted eggplant with herbs and lentils complements the earthy and mineral notes.

Mature cheeses such as old Comté or Salers enhance the length and complexity of the finish.