By the Gironde lies a 95-hectare of vineyard with gravel soil, the cooling climate with a moderate yet blazing summer heat have an impact on Montrose's vineyard. Since Montrose bought over in 2006, both brothers Martin and Olivier BOUYGUES launched a renovation programme of the site with environment responsibility in mind.

Saint-Estephe is located marginally further away from the gravel-bearing waters of the Garonne river, and the soil here is far less stony than that found in the southern part of Haut-Medoc. Instead, a heavy clay base dominates this area, resulting in poorer-draining soils, delayed ripening and higher acidity levels in the wine. These factors mean that Saint-Estephe's blended wine are predominantly made from Merlot, as it performs better on clay soils than Cabernet Sauvignon. Because these wine are often austere and tight in youth, Merlot also serves to soften the palate.