Viniou Reviews
Dame de Montrose 2015 is the renowned second wine of Château Montrose, hailing from the prestigious Saint-Estèphe appellation on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. Crafted predominantly from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with occasional touches of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc depending on the vintage, this cuvée is prized for its approachability and elegance without sacrificing intensity. 2015 stands out as an exceptional vintage in Bordeaux, marked by favourable weather conditions that delivered perfectly ripe grapes. The wine is vinified traditionally with careful extraction and matured in French oak barrels, some of which are new, contributing subtle spice and softness to the dense fruit core.
Saint-Estèphe, the northernmost commune of the Médoc, enjoys an Atlantic climate, mitigated by the proximity of the Gironde estuary. The region’s gravels, interspersed with clay-limestone and sand, produce wines of both power and structure, often with pronounced freshness and ability to age gracefully. The reputation of Saint-Estèphe is built on its ability to combine muscular tannins with great aromatic complexity, lending itself particularly well to blends dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. Château Montrose itself is a legendary estate with a history dating back to the 19th century, consistently producing wines of depth and precision.
This wine's richness and firm yet refined tannins call for hearty food pairings. Classic Bordeaux matches include roasted or grilled lamb, rib of beef, or game such as venison. Rich mushroom dishes or aged hard cheeses like Comté or mimolette are also excellent companions, as are regional specialities such as entrecôte à la bordelaise. For a more local experience, try the wine with duck confit or cassoulet.
For optimal enjoyment, decant Dame de Montrose 2015 an hour before serving to allow its bouquet of blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco and subtle spice to evolve fully. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C, which will enable the wine’s structure and fruit to shine while preserving its elegance and freshness.
