Montrose St-Estèphe 2005

98 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Petit Verdot). The last year for Montrose under the Charmolüe family, before the Bouygues bought in 2006. Inky plum in colour, moreish from the very first sip. So juicy, such well controlled extraction, balanced but intense and concentrated, with layers of still-vibrant cassis, bilberry, eucalyptus and cocoa bean. You can now clearly see where this is heading, but it will continue to build over the next few years, and then stay on the plateau for decades. Proof that whatever the Bouygues paid for it the following year, they were getting one of the greatest estates in the Médoc. 60% new oak. Alcohol 13%. Drink: 2022-2050. (6/24/22)"

97 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2005 Montrose replicated previous showings of that formidable wine. The bouquet is backward and here exuding more black fruit than previous bottles, rendering it more akin to the 2010 Montrose. With aeration those telltale scents of pencil lead emerge, although this bottle shows a touch more brine. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, a Montrose with huge backbone, solid to the point of being obdurate. Yet that would be overlooking the poise and delineation of this Montrose, the manner in which it gathers momentum towards the grippy finish. It is a truly great 2005 Bordeaux but it deserves a couple of decades in bottle. Drink: 2025-2065. (Jul 2018)"

96 points Robert Parker: "In 2005, a very serious drought year stressed most vineyards in Bordeaux, which are all dry-farmed. The volume of rainfall was less than half the average of the previous 30 years. The clay subsoils at Montrose have always played a major role in not only dry years, but also in extremely hot ones, such as 2003, as they retain more moisture. The grapes were harvested between September 23 and October 9. This is a very powerful, full-bodied wine that is quite tannic, but the tannins are relatively velvety. The wine is rich, complex, majestic, multi-dimensional and also avoids any of the austerity that some 2005s possess. It has done quite well in its bottle evolution and should turn out to be a great Montrose, capable of lasting 30 to 50 years. (Aug 2014)"

96 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "The Château Montrose 2005 has a quite brilliant bouquet with intense blackberry, cedar and tobacco scents that unfold in compelling fashion -- but don’t give too much away. The palate is full-bodied, a Montrose of 'architecture' thanks to its vaulted tannin, perfect acidity and immense precision on the long finish. Everything here feel natural and effortless and yet it is clearly a 50+ year old wine. This is a fabulous Montrose, one built like a Bentley. (Feb 2015)"

96 points Decanter: "A profoundly generous wine with coffee grounds and patisserie notes revealing grilled oak that's subtle but extremely pleasing. The quality of the tannins is exceptional - they are drawn out, elongated and shrouded in smoke. Layer upon layer of complexity unfurls in the mouth, getting better and better, with tons of juicy black fruit. The liquorice is black and tight on the perfectly balanced finish right now, with sprinkles of star anise and a gentle lift of fresh mint. Give it a good few years before opening. Drink: 2022-2046. (Feb 2019)"

95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2005 Montrose continues to drink beautifully, with a complex yet powerful bouquet of blackcurrants, black raspberries, new saddle leather, tobacco leaf, and spice. This beauty has a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, a supple style, sweet tannins, and is a charming, layered and ready to go Montrose that has loads to love. It continues to be surprisingly accessible and is a beauty to drink over the coming two decades. (12/13/18)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "Black licorice and blackberry aromas, with hints of mineral, lead to a full-bodied palate. Very chewy, with loads of tannins, yet this follows through with beautifully ripe fruit, mineral and mint. Fascinating. Best after 2012. (3/31/08)"