Harvesting began at chateau Montrose on the 15th of September and a larger-than-usual team of pickers worked quickly and efficiently until the last grapes were brought in on the 8th of October. The grapes were of a very high quality. Parcel selection was particularly rigorous, sometimes requiring repeated passes through a single parcel so that the grapes were picked at optimal ripeness. On arrival at the cellar, the reception line ensured a high degree of precision: the bunches were sorted at three sorting tables and the berries were then sorted twice more, first optically, then by hand. The grapes have been vinified in accordance with Montrose terroir in different vats for each of the 55 lots from which Montrose team will select in final blending of Grand Vin, with 7 additional lots of carefully selected press wines to choose from. The richness of the lots provided an excellent basis for extremely precise selection of the blend for the Grand Vin, the most radical in 15 years. First tastings indicate that 2015 chateau Montrose will rank among the great vintages at Château Montrose.
The deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Montrose opens with broody black fruits, menthol and anise notes with a core of cassis, blueberries and mulberries plus a touch of cedar chest. The medium-bodied mouth is firm and chewy with a good core of muscular fruit and a long, earthy finish.