Château Montrose, a Second Growth Bordeaux, acquired its name in 1778, when Etienne-Theodore Dumoulin bought 200 acres in St.-Estèphe. The site, an elevated ridge, was covered in blooming heather and it inspired its new owner to name it “mount rose,” or Montrose. In the 19th century the estate was bought by the owner of Cos d’Estournel, who eventually sold it to his son-in-law, Louis Charmolue. In 2006 the Charmolue family sold the estate to brothers Martin and Olivier Bouygues, French industrialists with major businesses in construction, telecommunications and media. The Bouygues family brought in key new personnel, most recently Hervé Berland, Chief Executive Officer since 2012. Mélissa Bouygues, wife of Martin Bouygues, is Chairwoman. Since 2006 the new owners have spent lavishly on modernizing the winemaking facilities, completing a state-of-the-art winemaking center that includes solar panels and other energy efficient systems. Montrose has 240 vineyard acres planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Wine Advocate rated the 2009 and 2010 vintages at 100 pts, with Robert M. Parker Jr. calling the 2010 “a fabulous wine.”