Alcohol: 13.5%
Grape(s): 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc
Localization: Margaux, Bordeaux, France
Tasting Notes: This very deep purple-colored and powerful Margaux has concentrated aromas of violets, spiced plums, and blueberries, along with subtle notes of blackberry, chocolate, and cedar. The full-bodied palate echoes the plum, black fruit, and blue fruit notes and adds a layer of higher-toned red fruit and iron minerals. The fine-grained tannins make this attractive today with decanting while assuring it can age until it’s at least two decades old.
The Domain: Chateau Monbrison was founded in 1749. Before its birth, Chateau Monbrison was part of the larger estate of Chateau dArsac. At the time, it belonged to the wealthy Segur family, some of the most important founders of the entire Bordeaux region.
In 1821 the property was purchased by Paul Georges de Conquere de Monbrison, where the estate took its name from. The charming, French, country-styled farmhouse predates the estate as a vineyard as it was built in the 17th century.
Chateau Monbrison was purchased by an American, Robert Davies, in 1921. Robert Davies married into the Johnston family of the well-known Nathaniel Johnston negociants in Bordeaux, who were also owners of various vineyards, including Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, over the years.
Robert Davies replanted the entire vineyard in 1939. The vineyard was replanted a second time in 1963. Chateau Monbrison has endured up and down periods over the centuries.
If you are wondering why you never find older vintages of Monbrison, there is a reason. As you have already read, the entire vineyard was removed and replanted in 1939. From 1939-1963, the vines were leased to various negociants and chateaux, most notably Chateau Prieure-Lichine. Starting in 1964, the property began bottling and selling some of its production, waiting for the remaining leasing contracts to expire.
From 1974 on, Chateau Monbrison has bottled and sold its entire harvest. Chateau Monbrison remains the property of direct descendants of the Davies family; Laurent Vonderheyden, a descendant of the Davies family, is the owner and director of Chateau Monbrison today.
