La Dame de Montrose St Estephe 2017

La Dame de Montrose 2017 comes from Château Montrose, a prestigious estate in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux. The 95 hectare vineyard lies on classic Médoc terrain, deep gravel topsoils over clay rich subsoil, just beside the Gironde estuary, ensuring excellent drainage and moderated climate. The estate has committed to sustainable viticulture, around half the vines were farmed organically as of 2017, with a goal of full conversion in the near future.

The 2017 vintage of La Dame de Montrose is a blend of about 49% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Grapes were hand harvested in mid to late September, vinified parcel by parcel, and after fermentation the wine was matured in oak barriques (around 30% new oak) for 12 months. The result shows deep garnet ruby colour with expressive aromas of blackberry, black cherry and plum, layered with cedar, tobacco leaf and subtle spice. The palate is supple yet structured with fine tannins and good length, making it an excellent match for roast lamb or beef, rich stews, game dishes or mature hard cheeses.