Wine Advocate – 90 Points
I extend my congratulations and accolades to the relatively young new proprietor of Monbousquet, Gerard Perse. With his acquisition of Pavie, Pavie-Decesse, and La Clusiere, he has quickly become the most powerful player in St.-Emilion. This is good news for consumers since Perse is obsessed with quality. For example, he has reduced yields to under 30 hectoliters per hectare, and is doing everything to ensure a natural expression of his vineyards’ terroirs.
At a blind tasting in New York City, Monbousquet, inserted as one of the sleeper picks in a tasting of the top 1995s, was selected as the finest wine by a majority of the more than 125 people in attendance! I have heard grumblings from some of St.-Emilion’s old timers about Perse’s aggressive acquisitions, but no one can criticize the man’s commitment to quality. The 1996 Monbousquet is an outstanding effort. The wine is slightly tannic, but it exhibits an exotic nose of kirsch liqueur, cassis, roasted herbs, espresso, and mocha. It possesses excellent texture, impressive depth and richness, and sweet toasty oak. The saturated dark ruby/purple color suggests a dense wine. The finish is both long and well-delineated, with moderate tannin. This beautifully-etched Monbousquet will take several years to come around.
Apr/1999 —Robert Parker, Jr. | robertparker.com
International Wine Cellar – 89 Points
Excellent deep ruby color. Primary aromas of dark berries, cherry, shoe polish and smoky oak. Supple, rich and textured, but not as pliant or layered as the ’97 due to slightly edgy acids. Finishes with well-distributed, dusty tannins that will require a few years to soften.
Jun/1998 —Steven Tanzer | International Wine Cellar
Description
The 1996 Chateau Monbousquet Bordeaux is a true gem from the renowned Saint-Emilion appellation in Bordeaux, France. This vintage is a testament to the exceptional winemaking expertise and the unique terroir of the estate.
In the glass, the wine displays a deep, garnet color, hinting at its maturity and complexity. The nose is enchanting, with aromas of ripe blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries intermingled with hints of cedar, tobacco, and earthy undertones. It is a bouquet that promises a symphony of flavors.
On the palate, the 1996 Chateau Monbousquet Bordeaux delivers an exquisite experience. The wine exhibits a harmonious balance between power and finesse. Rich layers of black fruits, such as blackcurrants and plums, dance alongside notes of licorice and spices, creating a captivating tapestry of flavors. The tannins are velvety and well-integrated, providing structure and length to the wine. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a satisfying impression that lingers on the palate.
This vintage has reached a stage of maturity where it showcases the elegance and complexity that come with aging. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but it also has the potential to continue evolving and developing in the bottle for several more years.
The 1996 Chateau Monbousquet Bordeaux is a testament to the remarkable quality and craftsmanship of the estate. It is a wine that embodies the essence of Saint-Emilion, offering a glimpse into the rich history and wine making tradition of the region. Indulging in a bottle of this vintage is an invitation to savor an extraordinary moment in time, where the artistry of wine making converges with the beauty of nature’s gifts.
Chateau Monbousquet, located in the prestigious Saint-Emilion appellation of Bordeaux, has a rich history dating back several centuries. The estate’s origins can be traced back to the 16th century when it was first established as a fortified farm. Over time, the property changed hands multiple times until it fell under the ownership of the De Carles family in the late 18th century.
It was during the 19th century that Chateau Monbousquet began to gain recognition for its exceptional wines. The estate underwent significant improvements under the stewardship of François de Carles, who implemented modern viticultural practices and expanded the vineyard area. These efforts led to the estate’s classification as a Grand Cru Classé in the Saint-Emilion classification of 1855.
The 20th century brought further developments to Chateau Monbousquet. In 1949, the property was acquired by the Bécot family, who dedicated themselves to revitalizing the estate and its wines. The Bécot family’s commitment to quality and innovation resulted in significant advancements for Chateau Monbousquet.
Under the leadership of Gérard Bécot, the estate underwent extensive vineyard renovations, introducing sustainable and organic farming practices. Additionally, the winemaking facilities were modernized to ensure the production of wines that reflected the terroir and character of the vineyard.
In 1993, Gérard Bécot sold Chateau Monbousquet to his sons, Michel and Gérard Bécot, who continued the family’s legacy of excellence. The Bécot brothers further improved the quality of the wines by implementing meticulous vineyard management techniques and focusing on low yields to enhance concentration and complexity.
The reputation of Chateau Monbousquet soared to new heights in the 1990s and early 2000s, as the wines consistently garnered critical acclaim and attracted international attention. The estate’s commitment to crafting wines of remarkable quality led to its promotion to the rank of Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé in the 2012 reclassification.
Today, Chateau Monbousquet stands as a symbol of excellence in Bordeaux winemaking. The vineyards span over 30 hectares and are primarily planted with Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The combination of a favorable terroir, meticulous vineyard management, and skilled winemaking results in wines that display depth, elegance, and a distinct expression of their terroir.
Whether it’s the rich and complex 1996 vintage or any other year, a bottle of Chateau Monbousquet Bordeaux Saint-Emilion Grand Cru is a testament to the estate’s dedication to producing wines of exceptional quality. Each sip takes you on a journey through the history, tradition, and artistry of one of Bordeaux’s most esteemed wineries.
