It is fascinating to learn about Catherine Pere-Verge's significant impact on the wine industry in Bordeaux and her ownership of some iconic wine estates.
Chateau Montviel, being her first acquisition in 1985, holds a special place in her portfolio.
Her friendship with legendary winemaker Michel Rolland has brought her many advantages, including being a founding member of Michel's Argentinian winery, Clos de Los Siete, and having Rolland serve as a wine consultant for Chateau Montviel since 1988.
The technical team's involvement from both Chateau Le Gay and Chateau La Violette in Chateau Montviel indicates a shared expertise and commitment to producing exceptional wines across the estates.
Chateau Montviel's location near renowned wineries like Petrus and Château Le Pin further adds to its prestige. The unique terroir with fine soils composed of sand and gravel, along with the best plots placed in clay and gravel, showcases the quality of the vineyard and contributes to the creation of their Grand Vin.
This small vineyard of 4.5 hectares consists of 2 plots: one next to Château Clinet with clay-gravelly terroir, and another one in the 'Grand Moulinet' area with small stones. In 2013, her son Henri Parent took over the management of the estate (including Château Le Gay and Château La Violette). The winemaking at the château is directly done in barrels (small 225-liter casks). This process requires a lot of work but is made possible due to the small surface area.
Overall, Catherine Pere-Verge's journey as a "Rockstar" in Bordeaux's wine scene, the collaborations with Michel Rolland, and the quality of Chateau Montviel's wines contribute to a rich and captivating story in the world of winemaking.
The mention of the 2016 vintage being epic for Pomerol is exciting news.
Awards
Another velvety-textured 2016 Pomerol shows richness and beauty. Full body with plenty of hazelnuts, dark-berry, and spice character. Long, long finish. Drink in 2022.
94/100 James Suckling
A rocking effort that brings the goods, the 2016 Château Montviel is a tiny production cuvée based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc brought up in new barrels. Surpassing the terrific 2015, it boasts a deep purple color as well as a mammoth bouquet of blackberries, plums, crushed violets, and forest floor. Deep, full-bodied, beautifully textured, yet still lively and weightless on the palate, it’s the real deal and is a brilliant Pomerol to drink over the coming 15-20 years.
94/100 Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Montviel is supple and racy, with plenty of dark red raspberry and plum fruit pushed forward. Mocha, espresso, menthol, rose petals, and sweet spice build in this opulent, inviting Pomerol. Soft contours and silky tannins add to the wine's sheer appeal. It's great to see the 2016 showing so well. Elevage here has worked beautifully.
92/100 Vinous Media
They always produce a contemporary style at Montviel, and this capitalizes extremely well on the sweetness of rich, nuanced layers of ripe, summery fruit and damson compote with some jammy edges. It's clearly good quality, and exuberant in style.
90/100 Decanter
