Montes Alpha "M" 2012
(Colchagua Valley, Chile) - [JS 95] [WE 93] [AG 93] [RP 91] [WS 90]

Notes from the Winemaker:

This new vintage of our great Montes Alpha M is deep red in color. Elegance and potency are clearly perceived on the nose with a clear predominance of ripe red fruits such as cherries, plums, and raspberries along with black currant and licorice in perfect balance with the contribution of vanilla, caramel, and light toasted notes from its 18 months in
new French oak barrels. A beautifully concentrated wine, mouth filling with an intense character, soft tannins and very, very long lasting. The structure of this wine will keep it for over 20 years. Montes Alpha M is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Merlot (5%), and Petit Verdot (5%), which links all the other grapes. The Cabernet Franc enhances the elegance of the first variety, and is in total harmony with the softness of the second and austerity of the third. A rewarding high-end Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon.

TECHNICAL DATA
Denomination of Origin: Colchagua Valley, the steepest slopes of the Apalta Vineyards.
Filtering: Just a slight filtering prior to bottling.
Vineyard Yield: 3.5–4 ton/ha (1.9 ton/acre).
Grape Varieties: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot.
Oak Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels.

SUGGESTIONS
Cellaring Recommendations: This wine can be enjoyed immediately or cellared for more than 20 years.
Recommended Serving Temperature: 18ºC (64ºF).
Decanting: Highly recommended for at least one hour.
Food Pairing: Highly recommended with roast turkey, fillet, sherried kidneys, duck confit.

BASIC ANALYSIS
Alcohol 14.7°
Total Acidity (H2SO4) 3.86 g/lt.
Residual Sugar 3.08 g/lt.
pH 3.48
Volatile Acidity (C2H4O2) 0.64 g/lt.
Free SO2 0.037 g/lt.

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95 Points - James Suckling:
"A beautifully refined red with currant, spice and cedar character. Full body, fine tannins and a long and caressing finish. Drink or hold. Aged 18 months in new French oak and one year in bottle before release. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, 5% merlot and 5% petit verdot blend." - July 6th, 2015

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Subtle, alluring aromas of earth, cola, eucalyptus, fallen leaves, black cherry and cassis properly announce this saturated, well-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend. Dark, toasty, baked flavors of blackberry come with vanilla, herb and tobacco accents. The finish feels great while tasting integrated and complex. Drink through 2024." – MS (3/1/2016)

93 Points - Antonio Galloni's Vinous:
"Saturated ruby. Powerful, spice- and smoke-accented dark berry, vanilla and floral pastille scents, along with hints of allspice and mocha. Velvety and seamless in texture, offering deeply concentrated blackberry, cherry-vanilla and fruitcake flavors and a suggestion of sweet chewing tobacco. A suave, supple wine that finishes with excellent clarity, spicy lift and just a hint of fine-grained tannins." - Josh Raynolds (Feb 2017)

91 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The concentrated and ripe 2012 Alpha M is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with some 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% each Merlot and Petit Verdot; it matured in French barriques for 18 months, which seems to be the standard in this price range. The minty Cabernet notes are there, with some bright blue fruit, Mediterranean herbs and plenty of sweet spices from the élevage. The palate is full-bodied with soft, round tannins, velvety, balanced and easy to drink; but not really exciting, quite predictable. 48,000 bottles produced." - Luis Gutierrez (Dec 2015)

90 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine:
"A lithe red, featuring a rich current of hot stone and roasted plum flavors, accented by notes of slate and Asian spice. The lively finish is loaded with mineral and white pepper accents. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2019. 1,000 cases imported." – KM (Mar 31, 2016)