Chateau Monbrison 2016 (375ml)《WC Selection-FH154》

Region : Margaux

Grapes : 74% Cabernet Sauvignon、26% Merlot

Alcohol : 13.5% vol

Website: http://www.chateaumonbrison.com/en/wines/

🏅James Suckling 92 pts

🏅Vinous 90 pts

🏅Wine Advocate 92 pts

🏅Wine Spectator 89 pts

HISTORY

In 1922, Robert Meacham Davis – pastor and ambassador for the Red Cross – purchased Monbrison with his wife Kathleen Johnston. She was the daughter of Nathaniel Johnston, an engineer who fell in love with the Medoc and, at some point in time, owned Chateau Dauzac (5th) and Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou (2nd).

Monbrison was a peaceful little vineyard that became the Davis’ main residence until 1939 and the start of Second World War. At the time, the French Government was distributing incentives to rip out vineyards and Monbrison’s planted acreages disappeared. In 1940, Robert M. Davis, US citizen, was forced to leave France and go back to his home country.

A few years later, his younger daughter Elizabeth along with her husband Christian Vonderheyden took over and brought the vineyard back to life, they divorced in 1972 and Jean-Luc, their second son joined his mother in 1976 to take over the vineyard and winemaking operations. His passion and talent left a significant footprint in the industry and placed Monbrison among the best wines from Margaux. He was a “visionnaire” and implemented farming practices that were revolutionary at the time (green harvest – 1986). Sadly, he passed away prematurely in 1992, taken by leukemia.

Since then, Laurent, the youngest son, who lived in the US and managed an importation and distribution wine company for about 12 years, runs the business. At the dawn of the centennial, his four children bring their experience, vision and hard work to contribute, develop and improve the Family Estate.

OUR TERROIR

Climate, soil types and their location are the factors defining our terroir. It is the wine’s “DNA”.

Monbrison produces Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) Margaux wines on 15,5 hectares, located on the plateau between Arsac and Margaux. This terrorist is the perfect combination between soil and climate : 

Deep alluvial gravels from the Pyrenees with various size pebbles offer perfect natural drainage and optimum fertility.

Relatively humid weather due to the proximity of the Atlantic ocean and the neighboring Gironde river weave into mild to cold winters, delicate springs and soft summers along with moderate rainfall.

The parcels are mainly planted with cabernets sauvignons and merlots. A small plantation of cabernets francs and petits verdots complete the grape varieties from the estate.

Since 2015, Monbrison also produces wines in AOC Haut-Médoc, on 6,5 hectares of a clay-limestone soil, planted with merlots and cabernets sauvignons, located half way between Arcins village and its harbor on the Gironde river. 

The whole parcels are under conventional agriculture, and experiments are made on selected parcels, aiming to a future conversion in biodynamic controls and treatments.

🏅James Suckling 92pts

Impressive, ripe red-cherry and berry aromas here with appealing, brambly complexity. The palate delivers an approachable, juicy and smoothly arranged bed of ripe and vibrant tannins. Try from 2022.

🏅Vinous 90 pts

The 2016 Monbrison shows similarly to other Margaux wines, albeit with a touch of leanness on the rather serious nose of pencil-lead-infused black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with tannin that has loosened up since its showing in barrel, and endowed with a fine bead of acidity and gentle grip.The Pauilla-like, graphite infused finish needs to develop more detail.

🏅Wine Advocate 92 pts

The 2016 Monbrison is a Margaux that has performed splendidly this vintage, one that did not shine as benevolently as other appellations. It has a vigorous, delineated bouquet with blueberry, raspberry and crushed violets, the new oak neatly integrated. The palate is nicely structured and though there is a touch of hardness to the tannin on the entry, that will soften by the time of bottling. The acidity is well judged and there is good grip on the finish. Monbrison is often well-priced en primeur and as such, this comes recommended.

🏅Wine Spectator 89 pts

Fresh, if a bit narrow in scope, as the core offers up only red currant, plum, lilac and sandalwood notes. Tight-grained and persistent, with the fruit lingering steadily on the finish. Drink now through 2029. 4,000 cases made.