2021 La Dame de Montrose Château Montrose Saint-Estèphe 0.75l

2021 La Dame de Montrose Château Montrose - Saint-Estèphe
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

Château Montrose was founded in 1815 and has been one of the Deuxièmes Crus (Second Growth) of the Médoc since its classification in 1855. The estate boasts a unique location directly on the Gironde River and boasts 95 hectares of vineyards planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. La Dame de Montrose , first produced in 1983, is the house's second wine. It comes from the same vineyards as the Grand Vin, but exhibits a slightly earlier, more charming character. The estate is located at the northernmost point of the appellation , directly on the wide banks of the Gironde River. This unique microclimate protects the vines from frost and balances extreme temperature fluctuations—a decisive advantage in challenging vintages like 2022.

Expansion:

The 2021 cuvée consists of 53% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc . After hand-harvesting, the grapes were vinified plot by plot. Aging took place for approximately 18 months in oak barrels , with a smaller proportion of new oak than in the Grand Vin. The aim is to highlight the finesse and elegance of the grape varieties without obscuring their structure.

Aroma & Taste:

La Dame de Montrose 2021 presents a deep ruby ​​red in the glass. On the nose, it presents red and black fruits such as cherry, cassis, and blackberry, accompanied by violet, tobacco, fine spices, and graphite notes . On the palate, it reveals the typical Saint-Estèphe structure : rather taut when young, with firm, precise tannins and a fruit that is initially reserved but gains depth with air and maturity. Behind this youthful austerity, an impressive balance is already evident – ​​powerful, classic, and designed for longevity , yet at the same time somewhat smoother and more approachable than the Grand Vin. The long, mineral finish exemplifies Montrose's signature: a vin de garde with inner energy and great development potential .

Food recommendation:

A versatile accompaniment to grilled lamb , herb entrecôte , braised veal ragout , or mature cheeses such as Comté or Tomme de Savoie. Its balance also makes it an excellent accompaniment to festive menus.

Special features of the 2021 vintage in Saint-Estèphe:

2021 was a year of high disease pressure due to a cool, wet spring , which presented the teams with significant challenges. However, a sunny, warm September brought crucial ripeness for all four grape varieties. Despite smaller yields, Montrose harvested healthy, high-quality grapes . The wines are classic in style, characterized by freshness, fine tannins, and elegance – similar to the 2014 vintage.

Conclusion:

The 2021 La Dame de Montrose reflects the philosophy of its big brother: Château Montrose is traditionally considered one of the most classic representatives of Saint-Estèphe—often closed when young, with taut tannins and restrained fruit, a true vin de garde . While the Grand Vin takes decades to unfold its full depth, La Dame de Montrose presents itself with accessibility sooner. It displays the same structure, elegance, and character of its origins , but in a softer, more charming form , making it attractive to both Bordeaux novices and seasoned connoisseurs. Thus, it combines the strict classicism of Montrose with contemporary drinking pleasure.