Château Montrose is a leading estate of the Saint-Estèphe commune of the Médoc region in Bordeaux. It was ranked as a second growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, and is regarded as one of the very best properties at that level. The grand vin, composed largely of Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot, is typically deeply colored, powerful and firm when young, but has superb aging potential. The second wine is La Dame de Montrose; the third is Saint-Estèphe de Château Montrose. (© Copyright material, Wine-Searcher.com)

The 95-hectare (235-acre) vineyard exists, unusually for modern Bordeaux, as one single entity. It is sited on an exposed site of deep, coarse gravels with sand and a little clay, overlooking the Gironde. The immediate proximity of the water has a moderating effect on both frost and summer heat, and the pebbles in the soil retain daytime warmth into the evening, aiding ripening. The estate is situated around a mile from Cos d’Estournel and the border with Pauillac. The vineyard is planted to a range of the classic Bordeaux varieties: 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 32 percent Merlot, 6 percent Cabernet Franc and 2 percent Petit Verdot.

Founded early in the 19th century, Chateau Montrose belonged to the Charmolue family for nearly 100 years. In 1960, Jean-Louis took control of Chateau Montrose with the support from his wife Anne-Marie. He invested in new equipment in both 1975 and 1985, and in 1983, a new barrel cellar had also been built.