Grand Cru Classé (1989)
SommeliAI Insights
A full-bodied Bordeaux with rich flavors of black fruits, cedar, and earthy undertones.
About this wine
The 1989 Château Montrose from Saint-Estèphe is a remarkable Bordeaux blend, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This wine offers a deep garnet color and an enticing bouquet of black cherry compote, blueberry pie, and blackcurrant jelly, with hints of star anise, peonies, crushed rocks, and tar. On the palate, it is rich and opulent, delivering firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness to support the generous, pure fruit flavors, finishing long and earthy. The 1989 vintage benefited from an exceptionally hot, sunny, and dry growing season, contributing to its depth and complexity. This wine has been praised for its balance and longevity, with critics noting its potential to age gracefully for several more decades.
About the grape
In the 1989 Château Montrose Grand Cru Classé from Saint-Estèphe, the blend prominently features Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon, making up 65% of the blend, thrives in the gravelly soils of the Médoc region, contributing structure and longevity to the wine. Merlot, at 25%, adds softness and rich fruit flavors, balancing the tannic nature of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc, comprising 10%, introduces aromatic complexity and subtle spice notes. This combination reflects the traditional Bordeaux blending practice, where each varietal plays a specific role in creating a harmonious and age-worthy wine.
Quick facts
- 🏆 The 1989 Château Montrose is renowned for its exceptional quality, earning a perfect 100-point score from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.
- 🍇 This vintage is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, harvested between September 11 and 28, 1989.
- ☀️ The 1989 growing season was notably hot, sunny, and dry, providing ideal conditions for grape development and contributing to the wine's remarkable depth and complexity.
- 🍷 Critics have praised this vintage for its vibrant aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and black truffle, along with a well-balanced palate featuring filigree tannins and a mineral-rich finish.
- ⏳ The 1989 Château Montrose is considered one of the greatest wines from the Saint-Estèphe appellation in the 1980s, with an exceptional aging potential extending for several decades.
Palate profile
Producer
Château Montrose, located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, France, was established in 1815 by Etienne Théodore Dumoulin, who transformed a patch of heathland into a vineyard. Remarkably, within 40 years, it achieved the prestigious Second Growth status in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. In 1866, visionary entrepreneur Mathieu Dollfus modernized the estate, introducing innovative techniques and creating a self-sufficient 'Montrose village' for workers. The estate remained under the stewardship of the Charmolüe family from 1896 until 2006, when it was acquired by Martin and Olivier Bouygues, who have since implemented significant renovations and sustainable practices.
