Wines Saint-Estèphe Château Montrose - 1999

Château Montrose 1999 is a classic example of the remarkable wines produced in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux’s Médoc. This vintage is predominantly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon complemented by Merlot, with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 1999 growing season, marked by a wet spring and a warm, dry late summer, fostered grapes with good concentration and fresh acidity, ideal for structured, cellar-worthy reds. The gravelly and clay-rich soils of this estate are particularly suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, contributing to the wine's firm tannins, depth, and ageing capability. The vinification at Montrose relies on traditional methods: manual harvesting, careful sorting, fermentation in temperature-controlled vats, and extended maturation in French oak barrels, yielding a wine of intense colour and complex bouquet.

The Médoc, and particularly Saint-Estèphe, is defined by its proximity to the Gironde estuary, which moderates the climate by protecting the vineyards from spring frosts and providing a long, gentle ripening season. The clay and gravel soils here retain moisture, beneficial during the dry spells typical of Bordeaux summers. Saint-Estèphe has a reputation for robust, long-lived reds, often marked by deep dark fruit, earthy notes, and a persistent mineral thread. Château Montrose itself is an emblem of the region's history and tradition, regularly ranking among Bordeaux’s finest estates.

This wine is ideal with hearty fare. Classic Bordeaux pairings work beautifully, such as roast lamb with rosemary, entrecôte à la bordelaise with shallot sauce, or game like duck or venison. Saint-Estèphe’s structure also complements regional dishes like confit de canard or a rustic cassoulet. Mature cheeses, particularly aged Comté or hard English cheddar, play well with the wine’s evolved aromas and tannins.

For optimal enjoyment, decant Montrose 1999 at least an hour before serving to allow tertiary aromas to unfold. Serve at 17-18°C to best reveal its bouquet of blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, and evolved earthy notes, delivering the full finesse and complexity that comes with ageing.