One of only 14 Second Growths in the 1855 Grand Cru Classe classification of Bordeaux, Chateau Montrose produces only two wines. The second wine, La Dame de Montrose was created in 1986. The first wine has achieved perfection in recent years as a result of an ongoing improvement from one of France's wealthiest families, the Bouygues, who acquired the historic property in 2006. The iconic Chateau is one of the most visually harmonious and architecturally perfect Chateau anywhere.
The Bouygues brother, who owns Clos Rougeard, the preeminent producer of Cabernet Franc, in Loire Valley, also owns one of the most important companies in France. Bouygues is on the CAC 40 and is an industrial giant in construction, media, telecommunications, and real estate. The estimated $55 million dollar investment over the last decade has brought the Chateau to soaring new heights. It's now often considered at the top of the pyramid among the great second growths and in all of the Medoc.
Since 1815, the iconic chateau has been referred to as the "pink mountain". The winery is now a must-visit for tourists in the area. The polish, decadence, and pleasure of the Montrose wines mirror the investment and perfection of the estate.
Until recently, Montrose only made two wines. It now has added the Tertio. The discriminating reader will know that this tends to confer a very high-quality second wine. Montrose is firing on all cylinders and lovers of Bordeaux and St. Estephe will be lucky to have a few bottles for now and later.
2020 was a great year for Bordeaux. Vinous Media blessed this year with a 97-point review and said, "Two thousand-twenty is an exceptional vintage for Bordeaux, certainly the best in the 2018-2020 trilogy. Quality is very, very high."
