Chateau Monbousquet 2018

Winery Background and History

Château Monbousquet, located in the Saint-Émilion appellation of Bordeaux, France, has a rich history dating back to 1540. In 1993, Gérard Perse acquired the estate and implemented significant renovations, including replanting vineyards and modernizing the winemaking facilities. These efforts elevated the quality and reputation of Château Monbousquet, leading to its classification as a Grand Cru Classé in 2006. The estate spans approximately 32 hectares, with diverse terroirs contributing to the complexity of its wines.

Producer and Winemaker

Under the ownership of Gérard Perse, Château Monbousquet has focused on producing wines that reflect the unique characteristics of its terroir. The winemaking team employs meticulous vineyard management and modern vinification techniques to craft wines of depth and elegance.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The 32-hectare vineyard of Château Monbousquet is planted on diverse soils, including sandy, sandy-clay with iron pan, and sandy-gravel compositions. This variety of terroirs allows for the cultivation of different grape varieties, each expressing unique attributes. The region benefits from a temperate maritime climate, with the nearby Dordogne and Garonne rivers moderating temperatures and reducing the risk of frost. These conditions favor the cultivation of Merlot, which thrives in cooler, clay-rich soils, as well as other Bordeaux varietals.

Grape Varietals

The 2018 vintage of Château Monbousquet is a blend of:

• 60% Merlot

• 30% Cabernet Franc

• 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vinification & Aging Methods

The vinification process at Château Monbousquet involves fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise control over the fermentation process. Following alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels, contributing to the wine’s smoothness and complexity. The wine is then aged for approximately 18-24 months in 60% new French oak barrels, with the remainder in one-year-old barrels. This aging process imparts subtle oak characteristics and enhances the wine’s structure and aging potential. Throughout the aging period, the wine is regularly monitored and racked to achieve clarity and stability.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

The 2018 Château Monbousquet has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of approximately 14.38%.

Tasting Notes

The 2018 Château Monbousquet exhibits a deep garnet-purple color. The nose offers energetic notes of baked blackberries, kirsch, and Black Forest cake, followed by suggestions of Chinese five spice, iodine, unsmoked cigars, eucalyptus, and crushed rocks with a waft of lavender. On the palate, it is full-bodied, possessing rich, spicy black fruits and a velvety texture, delivering impressive tension for this level of ripeness, finishing long with a lifted savoriness. It is recommended to give it 3-4 more years in bottle and drink it over the next 20+ years.

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine pairs well with grilled or roasted meats, such as lamb or beef, and hearty dishes like cassoulet or beef stew. It also complements aged cheeses, particularly hard varieties like Comté or cheddar. The wine’s structure and depth enhance the flavors of rich, savory dishes, making it a versatile choice for various cuisines.

Service Methods and Temperatures

It is recommended to decant the 2018 Château Monbousquet for about an hour before serving to allow the wine to open up and reveal its full aromatic profile. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C (60-64°F) to fully appreciate its complexity and balance.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2018 vintage of Château Monbousquet is suitable for aging and is expected to develop further complexity over the next 20+ years. Proper cellaring conditions, with a consistent temperature of around 12-15°C (54-59°F) and humidity levels of 70-75%, will ensure the wine matures gracefully.

Scores

• Wine Advocate: 93/100

• Wine Spectator: 95/100

• James Suckling: 95/100