In 2005, a very serious drought year stressed most vineyards in Bordeaux, which are all dry-farmed. The volume of rainfall was less than half the average of the previous 30 years. The clay subsoils at Montrose have always played a major role in not only dry years, but also in extremely hot ones, such as 2003, as they retain more moisture. The grapes were harvested between September 23 and October 9. This is a very powerful, full-bodied wine that is quite tannic, but the tannins are relatively velvety. The wine is rich, complex, majestic, multi-dimensional and also avoids any of the austerity that some 2005s possess. It has done quite well in its bottle evolution and should turn out to be a great Montrose, capable of lasting 30 to 50 years. - WA, RP (8/2014)
Good full ruby-red. Brooding aromas of blueberry, black raspberry, licorice, bitter chocolate and violet. Juicy, gripping and tightly wound, with its very firm structure currently hiding its mid-palate flesh. But very subtle and long, with captivating floral and mineral notes on the finish. This was positively explosive as it opened in the glass, showing increasing texture and sweetness. The crop level of 44 hectoliters per hectare was down about 30% from that of 2004, according to Laguarigue. This will have a good 30+ years of life in bottle, but will need at least a decade of cellaring. ST
Producer: Montrose
Vintage: 2005
Varietal: Red Blend
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Medoc
Appellation: St Estephe
Sub-Appellation:
SKU: #
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