2002 Montrose
By Chateau Montrose
2002 Montrose from Château Montrose, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
The turn of the century brought unpredictable climatic patterns across Bordeaux, leading to a series of vintages that truly tested the mettle of its vignerons. The 2002 Montrose, hailing from the resilient St-Estephe appellation, is a robust reflection of this challenging epoch.
A Vintage to Remember Amidst Adversity
The growing season of 2002 was marked by whimsical weather: a cool and damp spring followed by a summer that flirted with inclemency before blossoming into a warm and dry September, mercifully ideal for ripening. This particular vintage from Château Montrose lavishly benefitted from this late-season clemency, promoting a well-timed, unhurried harvest.
At nearly two decades of maturity, the 2002 Montrose exhibits an elegance that belies the difficulties faced during its creation. It is a shining example of resilience in viticulture, where careful handling and an intimate understanding of terroir triumph despite the conditions.
Bordeaux's Resilient Gem
The nuances of the 2002 vintage are etched into the wine's profile; cassis and blackberry fruits merge gracefully with tertiary notes of tobacco leaf and subtle leather—an uncanny encapsulation of St-Estephe's gravelly vineyards. Tannins have mellowed but maintain their aristocratic frame, ensuring this wine asserts its pedigree as an investment-worthy treasure.
With an admirable structure and impressive longevity still ahead, the 2002 Montrose from Château Montrose serves as an impeccable choice for fine wine investors seeking to diversify their portfolio with a wine of sterling provenance and enduring charm.
In sum, this vintage stands as a testament to the finesse achievable by Château Montrose even when nature renders an arduous canvas. For knowledgeable investors aiming to add depth and character to their cellars, securing allocations of the 2002 Montrose would be an astute addition to any discerning collection.
Current market price
$1,670.00
12x75cl
Highest score
90
POP score
101
Scores and tasting notes
An elegant yet richly fruited style of Montrose with medium body, sweet notes of black fruits, leather, dried herbs, and earth, this round wine is not profoundly concentrated, but is well-made, with excellent depth, ripeness, and overall length. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #158 Apr 2005
The 2002 Montrose was a little fire-cracker in its youth and I had such high expectations. However, recent showings indicate that its either going through an awkward stage or just running out of steam. It is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot picked from 30 September until 12 October. Here, it has a healthy deep color. So far, so good. The nose is quite closed at first and perhaps even curmudgeonly, reluctantly offering blackberry, charcoal and sandalwood aromas. The palate is masculine, aloof, structured but lacking this Saint Estèphe's customary charm, with a slight dustiness on the finish. It is impressive in a surly way. The question is: Do I wish to drink such a stubborn and surly wine? Tasted January 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2017