Château Montrose Saint-Estèphe Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2005 (1500ml)

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

It is really no surprise that this 05 is incredible and yet still extremely youthful. This 05 will out live almost anyone 50 years old. It is good for another 45 years. I had their 16 La Dame last weekend & commented it should not be opened for another 10 years. The core on the nose is dark velvet black currants. There’s a bit of melted dark chocolate-mousse. Ripe but subtle blackberries, black raspberries, black plum-plum pudding, very dark cherries, some mulberries, mocha powder, dark, rich earth, dry river stone, limestone, anise, mix of dry/fresh herbs, fine, undertone of baking spices, moist grey clay, slightly dry tobacco, sandalwood, mild, elegant spice, just the slightest hint of mint, very, slightly candied, dark, withering flowers & red roses. The palate is rich, round with velvety M+ tannins. The core is dark fruits blended in melted dark-mocha chocolate. Blackberries, black raspberries, both plums w/ heavy skin, dark cherries, poached to slightly baked strawberries & raspberries over the top. Dry bay leaf-sage, moist clay, rich, dark, turned earth, dry river stone, limestone powder, stem inclusion, red licorice/cola, anise to black licorice candy, sandalwood to soft cedar, slightly moist tobacco, used leather, mild, dark spice, a touch & just a touch of tomato leaf, hints of cardamom, dark/red withering flowers with just a touch of violets, perfect acidity and a very well knitted, tensioned, balanced, structured, elegantly polished finish that last two-minutes and lands on nice earthiness & softly muddled spice. Paired w/ their bone-in Ribeye. Best steakhouse steak that I’ve had out and not made by friends and or myself. Rich fat, tender and nice flavor. Lacks a bit of char and Napa Valley Rub from wholespice.com. Open in another 15-20 years. A real shot at a

Alberto Cdm

Yess!!

Lee Pitofsky

A 3 hour decant has 05 Montrose showing beautifully, wafting layers of cassis, cedar and mocha with a silky and vibrant palate and fine grained tannins. Still so young but in a real nice spot.

Ron R

Musky, sweet, edgy, peppery… huge disappointment. Can’t get past the effervescent mid palate felony. Not even sure you can describe this as Bdx wine…. Sniff!

Greg Koslosky

All the pieces in place for greatness and starting to drink now .

Lee Pitofsky

The great 2005 vintage. Power and structure, rich black fruits, pencil shavings, saddle leather, tobacco and spices. Finishes with exceptional length and complexity. A bottle that can be enjoyed thoroughly now or age for decades. A terrific treat at Tak Room.

Peter van den Besselaar

Vintage 2005 | cardinalred, spicyness, voluptuous, rondeur, still a lot of potential

Greg Gregory

Needs LOTS of time.

Nic Z

Big chewy young Bordeaux. Super rich, super heavy super heavy tannings

Bob McDonald

A Cabernet dominant blend. Very much showing its class as a 2nd Growth from a good vintage. Not quite at the level of the 2 Margauxs. Sterner Tannins. Powerful.