![Montes Alpha "M" 2004 (Colchagua Valley, Chile) - [WS 94] [AG 92] [WE 92]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0481/8940/7391/products/montesalphaM06-w-2_{width}x.jpg?v=1614113638)
Montes Alpha "M" 2004
(Colchagua Valley, Chile) - [WS 94] [AG 92] [WE 92]
Regular price $200.00 Sale price $119.97 Save $80.03
Notes from the Winemaker:
The slopes of Apalta in Colchagua (in the Central Valley) have a half-moon shape, with a unique micro-climate, defined by the mountains and Tinguiririca river. The best slopes in this valley, with a 45° average inclination and over 49° in the upper slopes, are found on our estate where we grow the grapes for our MONTES ALPHA "Mâ€. Having a south-west exposure allows us to have exactly the right level of hours of sunlight (measured in degree days). The ocean breeze (only 80 kms/50 miles away) provides a cooling efect, ideal for slow maduration of the grapes. The warm days but cool winds at night with their lowering temperatures give a micro-climate particularly suited for growing red grape varieties. Add to this, the poor soils with a small organic composition, drip irrigation, and the high density of vines (over 6,667 per hectare) make growing conditions perfect.
MONTES ALPHA"M" is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (80 %), Merlot (10 %), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petit Verdot (5 %). A powerful wine with very good level of soft and rounded tannins. Intense dark red colour. The wine is elegant and has a very well defined character. The 5% of Petit Verdot is adding an extra element of complexity. There is an pleasant and harmonious marriage of fruit and the French oak. The structure of this wine will keep it for at least 20 years. On the palate, it is perfectly balanced, full-bodied and superbly voluptuous on the mid-palate with a rewarding, lingering after taste of mature grapes and acidity that reflects its superb structure.
MONTES ALPHA "M" can be enjoyed now or cellared for several years (it will continue to improve in the bottle for at least 20 years).
Ratings & Reviews
94 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine:
"An alluring nose of Kenya AA coffee and bittersweet cocoa, with polished, racy notes of black currant, fig and loam on the palate. The long, fine-grained finish has a nice minerally spine. Not as dense as the 2003, but with better integration. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. 4,000 cases made." – JM (May 15, 2007)
92 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine:
"A world-class wine from Chile? It has been for almost a decade, but now that it's pushing $100 we are looking at it quite critically. In 2004 the wine shows strong oak and some sweet creaminess, and in the mouth it's loaded with black plum and blackberry pie flavors. Finishes layered and deep, with chocolate and mocha." - Michael Schachner (9/1/2007)
92 Points - Antonio Galloni's Vinous:
"Ruby-red. Exotic aromas of cassis, blackberry, incense and smoky minerals are admirably focused and expansive. Deep, velvety and sweet, with palate-staining dark berry liqueur flavors, supple tannins and a late-arriving licorice quality. Refuses to let up on the finish, eventually leaving behind sappy blackcurrant and floral pastilles." - Josh Raynolds (Mar 2008)
The slopes of Apalta in Colchagua (in the Central Valley) have a half-moon shape, with a unique micro-climate, defined by the mountains and Tinguiririca river. The best slopes in this valley, with a 45° average inclination and over 49° in the upper slopes, are found on our estate where we grow the grapes for our MONTES ALPHA "Mâ€. Having a south-west exposure allows us to have exactly the right level of hours of sunlight (measured in degree days). The ocean breeze (only 80 kms/50 miles away) provides a cooling efect, ideal for slow maduration of the grapes. The warm days but cool winds at night with their lowering temperatures give a micro-climate particularly suited for growing red grape varieties. Add to this, the poor soils with a small organic composition, drip irrigation, and the high density of vines (over 6,667 per hectare) make growing conditions perfect.
MONTES ALPHA"M" is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (80 %), Merlot (10 %), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petit Verdot (5 %). A powerful wine with very good level of soft and rounded tannins. Intense dark red colour. The wine is elegant and has a very well defined character. The 5% of Petit Verdot is adding an extra element of complexity. There is an pleasant and harmonious marriage of fruit and the French oak. The structure of this wine will keep it for at least 20 years. On the palate, it is perfectly balanced, full-bodied and superbly voluptuous on the mid-palate with a rewarding, lingering after taste of mature grapes and acidity that reflects its superb structure.
MONTES ALPHA "M" can be enjoyed now or cellared for several years (it will continue to improve in the bottle for at least 20 years).
Ratings & Reviews
"An alluring nose of Kenya AA coffee and bittersweet cocoa, with polished, racy notes of black currant, fig and loam on the palate. The long, fine-grained finish has a nice minerally spine. Not as dense as the 2003, but with better integration. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. 4,000 cases made." – JM (May 15, 2007)
92 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine:
"A world-class wine from Chile? It has been for almost a decade, but now that it's pushing $100 we are looking at it quite critically. In 2004 the wine shows strong oak and some sweet creaminess, and in the mouth it's loaded with black plum and blackberry pie flavors. Finishes layered and deep, with chocolate and mocha." - Michael Schachner (9/1/2007)
92 Points - Antonio Galloni's Vinous:
"Ruby-red. Exotic aromas of cassis, blackberry, incense and smoky minerals are admirably focused and expansive. Deep, velvety and sweet, with palate-staining dark berry liqueur flavors, supple tannins and a late-arriving licorice quality. Refuses to let up on the finish, eventually leaving behind sappy blackcurrant and floral pastilles." - Josh Raynolds (Mar 2008)