A structured, firmly traditional Montrose from a challenging vintage, showing depth, restraint, and slow-developing charm. Tight, angular tannins frame notes of cassis, plum, spice, and licorice, with hints of toast and earth emerging over time. A wine of tension and potential, rewarding patience and classic Bordeaux sensibilities.

Decanter | D 94
Published: Feb 19, 2021
Drink: 2021-2038

Here the tannins are extremely angular and unyielding. This is classic Montrose that is a little firm and nanny-ish at this point, although as it opens in the glass you see a generosity to the fruit coming to the fore, with sweet blueberry and raspberry notes. Well handled but lacks the generosity of 2010 and 2009. Petit Verdot 3% completes the blend. Harvest September 2 to 27.

The Wine Advocate | RP 93+
Published: Dec 21, 2023
Drink: 2025-2045

Somewhat lost in the shadow of the 2010 and 2009 duo, the 2011 Montrose is a somewhat firm, old-school wine, but it has plenty of depth and character and represents a good value for readers prepared to be patient. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cassis, sweet berries, plums and licorice complemented by hints of loamy soil, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and muscular, with good depth at the core and a long, structured finish. 

James Suckling | JS 92
Published: Feb 18, 2014

This is a tannic, chewy Montrose with lots of spice, berry and earth character. Full body, chewy and fruity. Intense tannins. Try in 2018 when the tannins soften.

Jancis Robinson | JR 16
Published: Oct 21, 2021
Drink: 2018-2027

Tasted blind. Light nose. A bit vapid and not too austere. Just lacks a little life but it’s perfectly respectable.

Vivino | Vivino 4.3

It has a fine and elegant robe with a beautifully intense and dark garnet. The nose, powerful and harmonious, is pleasantly woody. Aerated, it reveals lightly toasted aromas, followed with hints of ripe fruits and liquorice. The palate is full and soft with tight tannins and a light sweetness. The finish is long and harmonious.

Chateau-montrose.com

Main characteristics of the vintage 2011
Snow, drought, heat waves, hail… the weather did not spare the Médoc vineyards for 2011! This year more than ever, the vintners got closer to their environment which forced them to adapt their techniques specifically to the weather conditions. In the vineyard, the work was difficult and intense; repeated efforts and full attention were required for the grapes to ripe. In the cellar, the vinification of each vat was carefully monitored and controlled to extract accurate and silky tannins. Balance, freshness, and fine aromas were qualities we sought for precisely along with well defined yet supple tannins, all to reveal the best of the wonderful terroir, Chateau Montrose’s.

Tasting notes
A fine and elegant robe, with beautiful intense and dark garnet.
The nose, powerful and harmonious, is pleasantly woody. Aerated, it reveals lightly toasted aromas, followed with hints of ripe fruits and liquorice.
The palate is full and soft with tight tannins and a light sweetness. The after-taste is long and harmonious.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Natural Cork
Harvest: 2011
Oak: French oak, approximately 60% new barrels
Varietals: 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
Vineyard Area: 95 ha
Soil: Deep gravel over clay subsoil
Harvest: Hand-picked, 2-27 September
Vinification: Temperature-controlled fermentation with careful extraction to develop ripe, silky and precise tannins
Region: Saint-Estèphe AOC, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France
Classification: 2nd Grand Cru Classé 1855

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: 1 hour
Food Pairing: Roast beef, lamb, venison, duck, braised meats, truffle, wild mushrooms and mature hard cheeses