Montes
According to Robert Parker, Montes has figured out how to produce terrific red wines at bargain prices.
Maybe it’s their famous night harvests or the sounds of Gregorian chants played in the cellars as the wine is aging. (See Twisting Vines April 23, 2009) Montes has brought wine production in Chile to the forefront of world class wines. Since the country freed itself from a dictatorship and embraced a free market economy, money and expertise has poured into Chile’s wine industry.
With state of the art technology and equipment, Montes focuses on innovation. With a natural fruitiness of Chilean grapes, winemakers have learned how to bring out the best of the fruit in their wines. There’s no need to try and imitate the styles of Bordeaux or California. Chilean wine has a style of it’s own.
Montes Alpha 2007 Syrah Colchagua Valley
A blend of 90% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Viognier, the wine has an intense ruby red color. Lots of dark fruit up front on the nose with hints of leather, pepper and coffee. Flavors of black cherry, blueberry, black pepper hints of cassis, chocolate and tobacco with the slightest hint of oak. Complex. We enjoyed the way the wine continued to evolve in the glass – a good thing.
Good structure. Medium to full-bodied. Nice balance of acid/tannins. Love the long, smooth finish. Will cellar well for 6-8 years. Perfect for drinking by itself, but very food-friendly. Pair with grilled meats or sausage. A great value. We found it at – where else, Costco for $16.
Tags: chile, montes alpha, syrah
