Chateau Montrose 2010, Saint-Estephe, Robert Parker has rated as a perfect wine, rate 100 points
Reviewed - by Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue Date - 28th Aug 2014
Source - The Wine Advocate
This is considered to be among the greatest vintages ever made in Montrose, right up with the 1929, 1945, 1947, 1959, 1961, 1989, 1990 and 2009. Harvest was October 15 to 17. The wine has really come on since I last tasted it, and it needs at least another 10 years of cellaring. The blend was 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The wine is opaque black/blue, with an incredible nose of blueberry and blackberry liqueur, with hints of incense, licorice, and acacia flowers. Tannins are incredibly sweet and very present. The wine is full-bodied, even massive, with great purity, depth and a finish that goes on close to a minute. This is a 50- to 75-year-old wine that will repay handsomely those with good aging genes. (Note: The Chateau Montrose website gives an aging potential of 2020-2100.) 100 rating
Main characteristics of the vintage
2010 was particularly dry and relatively hot- climate data characteristics of great Bordeaux vintages (1929, 1945, 1947,1959,1961,1989, and 2009). From Spring to Fall, this climate imposed itself, allowing the berries to grow and reach perfect maturity. We thus waited to grape harvest with confidence and serenity, always benefiting from the homogenous single block vineyard of great quality. Perfect maturity and tannins of the grapes, brought a balance between power and elegance, abundance and finesse. The tannins are silky and smooth with complex aromas, all qualities of a great Montrose wine.
Period of Harvest - September 27th – October 15th
Blend
Cabernet-Sauvignon: 53 %
Merlot: 37 %
Cabernet franc: 9 %
Petit Verdot: 1 %
