1989 Montrose
By Chateau Montrose
1989 Montrose from Chateau Montrose, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
The 1989 Montrose from Chateau Montrose is a radiant gem shaped by the extraordinary conditions of an exceptional vintage year. Hailing from the historically renowned St-Estephe appellation, this wine demonstrates the depth and finesse achievable in the hands of highly-skilled vintners benefiting from favourable climatic serendipities.
A Vintage Sculpted by Nature's Artistry
Mother Nature was particularly magnanimous in Bordeaux during 1989, endowing vintners with a growing season marked by quintessential weather patterns – a benign winter, timely spring bloom, glorious summer and ideally timed rainfall. The culmination of these factors infused the grapes with a quality rarely matched, ensuring that the resulting wine carried an innate magnitude and balance.
The 1989 Montrose boasts richness and complexity that can only be ascribed to superbly ripened Cabernet Sauvignon dominate blends of Bordeaux's left bank. A tapestry of dark fruits bounds through the palate, with undertones of truffle, leather and smoke seamlessly integrated into the structure. One is not merely tasting a wine but exploring an aromatic landscape that has matured into a harmonious whole.
Investment Worthy In Every Drop
For the astute fine wine investor, the 1989 Montrose resonates with all the hallmarks of a commendable addition to one's portfolio. Its majestic evolution presents a study in longevity and apotheosis of terroir expression. With ample years ahead for further unfolding, its status as one of the shining stars of its era remains ever vibrant and unequivocal, an essential holding for collectors seeking to augment their cache with substantial Bordeaux vintages.
In summary, the 1989 Montrose from Chateau Montrose stands as an articulate testament to an excellent vintage's remarkable capabilities within St-Estephe's prestigious parcels. Recognising that wines of such calibre and distinction garner universal appeal among connoisseurs and investors alike ensures its continued demand and appreciation. This jewel remains resolutely one of the most sought-after treasures with every sip confirming its esteemed position in the pantheon of fine wines.
Current market price
$10,170.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
304.5
Scores and tasting notes
For many years I have vehemently argued that the 1989 Montrose is a benchmark wine for the estate. Having tasted it several times over the last couple of months, I have never found a single occasion to alter that view. Tasted at the vertical in London, it continues to shine, having never lost any of its luster in recent years. It is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that was picked from 11 to 28 September. Lucid in color, the aromatics do not hold back with vibrant blackberry, blueberry and black truffle, hints of sous-bois, all with sensational precision that few can match in this vintage (indeed, its precision lends it a veneer of modernity since "precision" is now more commonplace across Bordeaux). The palate is brilliantly balanced with filigree tannin. There is wonderful backbone here, extremely fresh and tensile, crystalline even with an exceptional detail, mineral-rich finish that lingers in the mouth. Difficult to fault, this might well be the greatest 1989 Montrose that I have tasted, and certainly wishing to take nothing away from the 1990 Montrose that I tasted alongside, the 1989 is now the one I would pick. Is this the greatest Saint Estèphe of the 1980s? I would put it within the top five Bordeaux of the 1980s. Could this be inching its way to perfection??? Tasted June 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2017
This was not in the tasting at the chateau, but I opened two bottles on my return home, because this is another near-perfect wine from Montrose. It is an unusual two-grade blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The wine emerged from another very hot, sunny, dry growing season, with early, generous flowering. Harvest in Montrose took place between September 11 and 28. The wine has never had any issues with brett, making it a somewhat safer selection than the more irregular 1990. Like a tortoise, the 1989 has finally begun to rival and possibly eclipse its long-time younger sibling, the 1990. The wine is absolutely spectacular and in auction sells for a much lower premium than the 1990. That should change. This is a magnificent Montrose, showing notes of loamy soil undertones, intermixed with forest floor, blueberry and blackberry liqueur and spring flowers. It has a full-bodied, intense, concentrated mouthfeel that is every bit as majestic as the 1990, but possibly slightly fresher and more delineated. This great wine should drink well for another 40-50 years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #214 Aug 2014
Tasted at Handford’s 21st anniversary tasting. One of the great wines for this Saint Estephe “king”, the 1989 continues to offer immense pleasure. It has a very fragrant bouquet with blackberry, sandalwood, mint and sloe all with very fine delineation. The palate has a Pauillac-like structure with firm tannins, cedar and freshly rolled tobacco dominating the middle, the finish very harmonious and natural. It has such beguiling freshness and class and though not a powerful Montrose like the 1990, it is one of those graceful things: a graceful Saint Estephe. Drink now-2025+ Tasted October 2010.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Nov 2010