9
AN ANGELIC PUBLICATION, FROM CHILE WITH PRIDE
News
FLYING FIRST CLASS ON HEAVEN AND EARTH
WINE ADVOCATE, U.S.A., July 2007
EXCELLENT SCORES FROM ROBERT PARKER
A recent article signed by Jay Miller, published in Wine Advocate issue 171, mentions: “…wineries such as Montes, among others, have figured out how to produce terrific red wines at bargain prices.“ … “Over recent years, Montes has been one of the standardbearers of quality wines from Chile under the leadership of Aurelio Montes. The lineup is top-notch from entry level to top-of-the-line.“ Some of the best scores to Montes wines are: 94 Points: Montes Alpha M 1999 92 Points: Montes Folly 2004 91 Points: Purple Angel 2004
Our Montes Alpha M, one of Chile´s top icon wines, has been selected to fly First Class in two of the world´s most renowned airlines: the prestigious JAL (Japan Airlines), a leader in world and Asia-Pacific destinations, and LAN Airlines, the most successful and fast growing in Latin America. We are very excited to continue flying on the world´s top wings, as well as being the preference of the most demanding wine lovers also on land.
HUGH JOHNSON’S POCKET WINE BOOK 2008 WALL STREET JOURNAL, U.S.A., April 2007
THE BEST IN SOUTH AMERICA
During a blind tasting event of over 60 Chardonnays from Chile and Argentina, The Wall Street Journal selected our dear Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2005 as the Best. Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher writers of the prestigious wine weekly column “Tastings“ have granted the highest category (“Very Good”) to this wine from the Casablanca Valley. They continue to describe this extraordinary Chardonnay as being “like sunshine. Bright, crisp, clear and bursting with ripe fruit. Concentrated fruity tastes and a long citrus finish.“
FOUR STARS BY HUGH JOHNSON
Montes★★★★ Alpha Cab Sauv can be brilliant; Merlot, Syrah, Malbec fine; Chard v. good. Bordeaux blend Montes Alpha M improves each year; Folly Syrah one of the best in Chile; Purple Angel is Carmenère at its most intense.” ★★★★ (4 out of 4) = grand, prestigious, expensive.
WINE ENTHUSIAST, U.S.A., April 2007
MONTES CHERUB CHOSEN AS ONE OF THE BEST ROSÉS IN THE WORLD WINE SPECTATOR, U.S.A., April 2007
94 POINTS: MONTES ALPHA M 2004 “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 nose. Not as dense as the 2003 but with better integration.“
The 2006 Montes Cherub has been chosen as one of the best Rosé wines in the world by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast, with a total of 90 points. Along with emphasizing that the wine is 100% Syrah, the magazine states that for Aurelio Montes this is a “serious wine, with subtle spiciness, hints of strawberry, rose and orange peel“. Aurelio chose Syrah because “this grape has a wonderful purplered color and gives fresh, yet structured wines that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with food“.
93 POINTS: MONTES FOLLY 2004 “Shows lovely crushed blueberry and currant fruit aromas and flavors with well-integrated toast and plenty of mineral, briar, mocha and bacon notes on the round, full-bodied finish. Could use some modest cellaring, but this is approachable now.“
90 POINTS: PURPLE ANGEL 2004 “A bit pumped up with flashy toast, but shows solid raspberry and blackberry fruit, with mocha, tobacco and mineral notes on the long, nicely integrated finish.“
WINE SPECTATOR ONLINE, U.S.A., July 2007
WINE ENTHUSIAST, U.S.A., March 2007
BEST BUYS
90 POINTS: MONTES CLASSIC SERIES
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 90 Points: Montes Classic Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Colchagua Valley); $12. “Smells nice, with notes of leather and earth accenting the deep fruit that drives the bouquet. The palate is perfectly ripe and full of cassis and berry flavors, while the finish is jazzed up by touches of coffee, char and baked fruit. Shows a fine texture and grip that goes beyond what you normally get in a wine of this price.”
SMART BUY
WINE ENTHUSIAST, U.S.A., May 2007
“This is ripe and concentrated yet polished and refined, with layers of dark cherry, blackberry and briar caressed by suave toast, vanilla and mineral notes. Long and fleshy through the finish, which shows solid grip. Contains 7 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 3 percent Viognier. Drink now through 2009.” -J.M. (It is shown in the “Advance” on their website).
(Apalta); $93. “Opens with tobacco, leather and prune, and two sniffs is all you need to determine that this is something special. The ’04 Folly seems more subdued and maybe a bit more balanced than previous efforts, which stressed power and extract. This wine has some snap to go with the expected black fruit, chocolate and black olive flavors and accents.
92 POINTS: 91 POINTS: MONTES ALPHA SYRAH 2005 MONTES FOLLY SYRAH 2004
WINE NEWS, U.S.A., March/April/May 2007
WINE REVIEWS FROM WINE NEWS
92 POINTS: MONTES ALPHA M 2004 Apalta Single Estate, Santa Cruz “Well-oaked aromas with uplifting cherry fruit, menthol and sweet tobacco scents. Accessible cherry fruit flavors with new oak and brown spices. Youthful, vibrant finish with a lingering redwood-like spiciness. $93.“
92 POINTS: MONTES FOLLY 2004 SYRAH Apalta Valley “Ripe blueberry, plum and graphite aromas. Compact and foursquare with layers of plum, clove, black cherry and vanilla flavors. Not as opulent as past Follys; however, it's quite flavorful with roughhewn fruit and spicy minerals capping the close. $93.“
90 POINTS: MONTES PURPLE ANGEL 2004 Colchagua Valley “Peppery, red fruit aromas with a whiff of rhubarb. Crisp, rustic flavors of cranberry, cherry and spicy oak. Youthful, acidic finish with a mix of minerals, earthiness and exotic woods. $57.“
90 POINTS: MONTES LIMITED SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2006
Leyda Valley “Fresh herbs and lemon zest aromas with a whiff of clove. Squeaky-clean citrus flavors with youthful, bracing acidity. Lively finish with a lick of chalk and lemon peel. $16.“
WINE & SPIRITS, U.S.A., February 2007
WINE NEWS, U.S.A., March/April/May 2007
BEST VALUE SELECTION
CHILE’S WATER LOTTO
90 POINTS: MONTES CLASSIC SERIES
By Patricio Tapia “That’s one factor that drove Aurelio Montes to risk planting vines in Catapilco, 35 miles north of the Aconcagua River, just inland from the exclusive beach of Zapallar. “The evapotranspiration of the vineyards located in colder areas is less, and this compensates, in part, for the lack of water’, he says.
MALBEC 2005
Colchagua Valley “Intense hue, purple to the rim. Rich aromas of plum, prune and charcoal. Extremely creamy and round with layers of plum, black cherry and licorice flavors. Excellent length with fine, well-melded tannins and a slight chalkiness. $12 / 15,000 cases.“
CAPITAL MAGAZINE, CHILE, July 2007
WINE INDUSTRY AWARDS DOUGLAS MURRAY AS BEST COMMERCIAL MANAGER 2007
Like human beings, at higher temperatures plants lose water through transpiration. Montes has found that in his new vineyard, located six and a half miles from the sea, the vines transpire five millimeters of water per day, while in warmer areas, such as Apalta (in Colchagua), vines lose twice as much water. It is true that we have to trust the wells we have dug will continue to work in the future, but is also true that we do not need that much water”, Montes says.
Our director, partner and founder, Douglas Murray, has been granted Best Commercial Manager award by his peers in the Chilean wine industry. For the second year, Capital Magazine and Seminarium Penrhyn International have acknowledged Murray. The winner in each category was chosen by a group of peers considering professionalism, leadership and goals successfully achieved. Douglas has been working in the winemaking industry for over 35 years and has been a cornerstone in Chile’s success in the wine industry in Asia, Europe and the U.S.A., and of our Montes wines worldwide. WINE SPECTATOR, U.S.A., March 2007
SMART BUY
90 POINTS: MONTES LIMITED SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC, LEYDA VALLEY.
An outstanding score for this limited edition wine originating from the Leyda Valley. Wine Spectator describes this wine as “rich and stylish, with focused lemon verbena, lime, mineral and honeysuckle flavors that really glide through the finish. Lengthy and pure. Drink now. -J.M.“
LUFTHANSA AIRLINES, GERMANY, February 2007
MONTES ALPHA FLIES ON GERMAN WINGS
During the months of March and April 2007, First Class passengers on the German airline Lufthansa will have the opportunity to enjoy our Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2002. This selection has been added to Lufthansa’s exclusive wine list, which has been recognized as best in the world in its category. Now passengers throughout Germany and on all international Lufthansa flights will be able to enjoy our wine at great heights.
So far, Viña Montes is the only winery that has vineyards in the area. They planted 40 acres with varieties that adapt well to colder conditions, such as pinot noir, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. ‘Now it is a lottery. We don’t know if that underground water will last as we want it to, but it is part of the risk’, says Montes.”
PLANETA VINO.CL, January 12, 2007
PERU AND MONTES WINES 4th ANNUAL WINES OF CHILE AWARDS, CHILE, January 12, 2007
GOLD MEDAL
TO OUR MONTES ALPHA CABERNET A panel of US experts –Bob Paulinski, Bruce Schoenfeld, Darrin Siegfried, Ed McCarthy, Jay Stuart Miller, Joshua Green, Josh Raynolds, Mary Ewing-Mulligan, and Michael Schachner– tasted more than 450 examples of Chilean wine in 2 price categories: $10.00-$14.99, and $15.00$25.00. The veredict? Chile gets a thumbs up in overall performance. Gold Medal Winner: Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.
CHILE POTENCIA ALIMENTARIA.CL, January 12, 2007
A VIÑA MONTES-STYLE RECIPE By Antonieta de la Fuente “Andrés Turner is amongst one of the better respected wine executives in the industry, a position he has earned at Viña Montes, one of the most profitable vineyards in the domestic market and a brand broadly acknowledged worldwide. The model recipe by Montes is explained by Turner in the following manner: “In the refined wines market, creating a brand is not related to massive publicity; on the contrary, it’s rooted on personal acquaintances, on specialized reviews, on the image of the brand”.
ARIZONA REPUBLIC, December 27, 2006
7 TASTY SIPS CERTAIN TO GET 2007 OFF RIGHT By Mark Tarbell Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Colchagua Valley, Chile ($18). “The color is an intense deep violet and dark ruby. The aroma has cellar floor, earth and dark plum. The taste has firm but pleasant tannins or dryness with well-balanced and restrained ripe dark red fruit. The dry finish offers a touch of wood. 91 points.
“When deliberating on wine, we know that a fragrant cépage makes a better appetizer, while citric wines are better companions to fish and the thicker ones go hand-in-hand with a more consistent main meal. However, this association becomes a complex issue when seeking the best wine, cépage or vineyard to serve a dish such as ceviche. We ask ourselves, which is the best choice of wine to serve it with? A new task at hand lay awaiting… The entrepreneur, Emilio Peschiera at his restaurant “Emilio” and María José Tolosa, the Marketing Manager of Viña Montes carried out a workshop on Peruvian food.
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, U.S.A., December 29, 2006
A ‘DELICIOUS!’ QUEST By Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher “In the attached list, you will see the 15 wines that we rated highest this year. While most of these are expensive, we also had some delightful inexpensive wines this year. Six wines that cost $10 or less rated Very Good or Very Good/Delicious. Interestingly, five of them were from Chile... And one of them was Montes Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.”
After the aperitif, a Rosé 2006, we established that the acidity, salinity and piquant taste of a white sea bass ceviche is enhanced by a Montes 2006 Leyda Sauvignon Blanc, we then recognized that a white sea bass stew is well complemented by a Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2005, while grouper is better tied to a Pinot Noir 2006 Casablanca. A duck magret was harmonized by the Cabernet Sauvignon Montes Alpha, and the amazing rabbit and beans stew, slowly cooked in wine closed the workshop with a Syrah 2004.”
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, U.S.A., March 2, 2007
A NEW EVERYDAY CHARDONNAY
By Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher In a blind tasting of Chardonnay from Argentina and Chile that cost under $20, Montes Alpha Chardonnay was the favorite. Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2005, Casablanca Valley, Chile ($16.99): “Our best of tasting was Montes Alpha, which was bursting with ripe fruit and offered beautiful balance. In a tasting of inexpensive Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon last year, Montes was our best of tasting.” Rating: Very good Tasters’ Comments: “Best of tasting. Like sunshine. Bright, crisp, clean and bursting with ripe fruit. Concentrated, fruity tastes and a long citrus finish.”
Dominican Republic
GREAT PRESENTATION OF MONTES IN VINEXPO, BORDEAUX, FRANCE
Mr. Hirose (President of Enoteca, our importers in Japan) and his Enoteca stars.
Eduardo and Amanda Tabush (La Uva Distribuidora, our importers in Guatemala and El Salvador).
Shane Tremble, Grant O´Brien (General Manager Woolworth´s Liquor Group) and Campbell Stott (Dan Murphy).
Without a doubt, another successful VINEXPO. We are very excited with the success of our stand. Numerous friends visited us and enjoyed our wines. Importers, journalists, clients and potential clients from all over the world tasted our wines, making the Montes’ stand one of their favorites. We had barrel samples of Montes Folly and Purple Angel 2005 and of a new member of the Montes Alpha family, to be announced very soon. Enrico Garzaroli (Owner Graycliff Hotel and our importer in Bahamas). The Graycliff Hotel wine list has the Highest Award by Wine Spectator, every year since 1988.
The Montes Team: (Left to right) Andrés Turner, Carlos Serrano, Aurelio Montes, Aurelio Montes del Campo, Dennis Murray, Douglas Murray and Gustavo Hörmann.
Sarah Matthews, famous US wine photographer. Douglas and Ross Phillips (Owner Jacques Scott Group, Cayman Island)
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW, U.S.A., January 31, 2007
MATCHING WINES TO CHEESE CAN BE DELICIOUS FUN By Dave DeSimone “This zesty cheese matches perfectly with crisp sauvignon blanc-based white wines with little, if any, aging in oak barrels. For example, the Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Leyda Vineyard, Chile (Specialty 28822) has bright and refreshing notes of grapefruit and guava with light herbal hints opening to vibrant flavors of citrus –grapefruit and limes– with exotic notes of passion fruit. Superb mineral notes and fine acidity provide a firm backbone through the dry, yet lush, and fruity finish. Highly recommended.”
SANTÉ MAGAZINE, U.S.A., January, 2007
PRESTIGE Montes Purple Angel 2003 Carmenère, Colchagua Valley. 92% Carmenère, 8% Petit Verdot. “Full Bodied with lots of ripe black cherry, cassis, blackberry, and plum plus a hint of flowers; silky on the palate with fine tannins and a long black-fruit finish. New York strip steak.”
BLOOMBERG.COM, February 1, 2007
CARMENÈRE, A LONG-LOST FRENCH GRAPE, SPICES UP CHILE’S WINES By Elin McCoy “At Viña Montes in the Colchagua Valley’s warm Apalta zone, winemaker Aurelio Montes experimented with the grape for years before adding a 92 percent Carmenère bottling, Purple Angel, to the winery’s two other icon wines, Montes Alpha M, a cabernet blend, and Montes Folly, a single vineyard syrah, in 2006. All three are made at Montes’s new Finca de Apalta Estate winery, which was designed according to the principles of feng shui. Purple Angel blends Montes’ Carmenère from both its Apalta vineyard and its new vineyard closer to the sea, El Arcángel de Marchigüe, where cactuses dot the savannahlike landscape and vineyard workers complain about llamas nibbling the vines.” Montes Alpha M 2003 ($70): A voluptuous cab blend, with no Carmenère. Montes Folly 2003 ($60): A big, intense, seductive, plush Syrah. Montes Purple Angel 2003 ($50): Dark and earthy, with wild, spicy notes.
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW, U.S.A., May 2, 2007
PITTSBURGH WINE FESTIVAL BRINGS ATTENTION TO STELLAR VINTAGES
BRIDAL GUIDE, January/February, 2007
SO FINE By Lauren Schutte Montes Cherub Rosé, Cellar Style: “Show your dinner guests that your taste in design is equal to your taste in wine! Rosé wine by Montes.”
By Dave DeSimone “At the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s request, more than 125 winery representatives from around the world gathered to pour samples of their wares as thousands of wine lovers from around the country enjoyed the fifth edition of the Pittsburgh Wine Festival. In the midst of the somewhat overwhelming press of so many wine enthusiasts, noteworthy wines stood out. With the white wines, the 2006 Montes Sauvignon Blanc, Leyda Vineyard, Chile (Specialty 28822), an oak-free little gem with fresh aromas of grapefruit and mangoes with light herbal hints, opened with lush flavors of guava and citrus balanced by bracing acidity through a dry finish. Stock up and serve this wine well-chilled as an aperitif over the summer. Highly recommended.”
USA TODAY.COM, May 28, 2007
CHILLY CHILEAN By Jerry Shriver Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2005, Leyda Valley. “The standard wisdom says that Americans tend to drink their white wines too cold and their reds too warm, and I generally agree. But this wine only becomes approachable when you put a big chill on it. That tames the vibrant acidity and mutes the faint vegetable aroma but still allows the electrifying tropical flavors to come through. Try it with spiced steamed shrimp, and keep an ice bucket at your side. The Leyda Valley, by the way, is a fairly new wine-production area in Chile and is worth keeping an eye out for.“
TORONTO STAR, CANADA, February 3, 2007
LOOK TO SOUTH AMERICA FOR SOME GREAT BUYS
By Gordon Stimmell “Turning to Chile, reds again were the victors. Fab value is Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenère 2005 ($14.75, 89), with its blustery blackberry, cassis and wild blueberry profile. Reds from the Colchagua Valley can reach great heights.” HAMILTON SPECTATOR, CANADA, February 3, 2007
LATIN LIBATIONS – CHILEAN, ARGENTINE WINES DESERVE STAR TREATMENT By Dan Kislenko Montes 2005 Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenère. “A remarkable value. The blend is 70 per cent Cab and 30 Carmenère. Very round and succulent, with an expected soy sauce touch to fruit flavours of cassis, damson plum and spice.”
TIME MAGAZINE, U.S.A. January 18, 2007
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WINE
By Sharon Kapnick “An internationally renowned wine writer and TV-show host, Jancis Robinson, is also a member of the Royal Household Wine Committee, which chooses the wines that the Queen serves her guests. Robinson’s advice is impeccable, her wit dry and her take on wine refreshingly non-American. Recommending the Montes Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Casablanca Valley from Chile, she describes it as “quintessentially an aperitif, but if you were to drink it with a well-dressed salad, it would not rise up and bite you.”
HAMILTON SPECTATOR, CANADA, May 2007
A GLOBAL STAR – MERLOT IS SPREADING AROUND THE WORLD By Dan Kislenko “Let’s tour some Merlots from around the world: Montes Alpha Merlot 2004 ($23.95, code 22228) This Chilean wine reflects individual vineyard character (it’s from the Apalta vineyard, considered by many the best in the country). Sophisticated, balanced, silky despite its youth I get Damson plum, black raspberry, blueberry jam, dark chocolate and a supple tannic backbone.”
FOOD & WINE, U.S.A., April, 2007
WHERE TO FIND CHILE’S BEST WINES “Colchagua Valley: A warm region that’s home to a wide range of varietals, such as Syrah and Cabernet. Star producers include Montes.”
WINE & SPIRITS, U.S.A., June, 2007
100 TOP VALUES OF THE YEAR
92 Points: Montes Folly 2004 Syrah, Apalta, Colchagua Valley - $93. “Folly is typically a giant wine, but this vintage takes a gentler tact than usual. The alcohol and the massive black fruit flavor balance the impact of the tannins; the acidity is mellow and soft. Give it at least four years to come together.” 92 Points: Purple Angel 2004 - $57. “This is an opulent carmenère, fragrant with wild berry, oak and herb aromas, yet the flavors are surprisingly refined, the texture suave and the fruit ample, kept in check by powerful acidity. This comes from Marchigüe and Apalta, both famed areas in Colchagua.” 91 Points: Montes Alpha M 2004 - $93. “From a single vineyard in the Apalta area of the Colchagua Valley, this cabernet-based blend is youthful yet refined. The spice and herbal aromas give the red berry and cassis flavors elegant charm, the hard tannins will come into balance with roast veal or with further aging.”
MONTES IN THE CARIBBEAN
Cayman Islands: Jacques Scott & Company Ltd. Carrie Stein (Sales Executive Jacques Scott & Company Ltd.), Neil D. Bryington (Owner of Decker´s Grille & Lounge) and Sonia.
Virgin Islands: Bellows International Ltd. Richard Berry (President of Bellows), Susan Warren and Bertrand Overbeek.
Virgin Islands Restaurant Craig and Sally Darash: Sonia, Alexandra Ewald (La Tapa Restaurant), John and Jess Gabelhausen, Craig Darash, Douglas, Patrick Bellantoni (Banana Tree Grille Restaurant), Bertrand Overbeek (Sales Manager of Bellows International Ltd.) and Christopher Jones.
Virgin Islands Tasting at Bacchus´s Restaurant, St. Croix Island. Catherine and Frank Pugliese, owners of the restaurant, with the participation of customers like Taria Babb, owner of Salud! Bistro.
Virgin islands Alexandra Ewald -owner of La Tapa Restaurant in St. John- and Douglas.
Virgin Islands Taria Babb (owner of Salud! Bistro) and Douglas.
Virgin islands Scott Hart and Paloma Helm -The Dove Restaurant in Tortola-.
Virgin islands Doug Campbell, Amy Heikkila -Marketing Director Bellows International-, Lynn Berry, Richard Berry -President of Bellows International-, Douglas Murray, Alexandra Ewald -owner of La Tapa’s Restaurant-, Scott Hart and Paloma Helm -The Dove Restaurant in Tortola-Bertrand Overbeek -Sales Manager of Bellows International-, Sonia Montanares.
Virgin Islands Tasting at Bacchus´s Restaurant, St. Croix Island. Christopher Jones, Joseph Smith (Sales Representative), Melissa (Marketing Manager), Douglas, Ron George (General Manager of Bellows International) and Sonia.
Cayman Islands Dinner at Papagallo´s Restaurant: Vico Testori (Owner) Franco Plona (Maitre) and Gerardo Agostinelli (Sommelier).
Trinidad & Tobago: Vintage Imports Ltd. Marian de Verteuil (Owner and General Manager), Douglas, Charmaine Seepaul (Sales), and Gillian Kerry Lee Poy (Sales Representative).
Saint Maarten: Netco N.V. Wine tasting at El Rancho´s Restaurant with clients and wine merchants. Geoffrey Joseph, Managing Director at Netco N.V. - Daniel Kulig, Sales Manager, was in the tasting too, but is not shown.
Turk & Caicos Islands: Discount Liquors & Wine Cellars Ltd. Colin Evans (Sales & Marketing Manager), George Halls (Sales), Sonia, Douglas, Christopher Jones, Honourable Galmo Williams and Anthony Garland.
Puerto Rico: B. Fernández and Hnos. Inc. José Juan Hernández (Sales Wines Director), Douglas, Juan A. Teixidor (Owner B. Fernández and Hnos. Inc.) and Katerina Sánchez (Marketing Manager).
Turk & Caicos Islands Dinner at Hemingways Restaurant, Providenciales, with Audley Williams (not shown): Anthony Garland (General Manager) and Honourable Galmo Williams (Owner of Discount Liquors and Government Minister).
Puerto Rico Tasting at El Almacén del Vino Restaurant with journalist and clients.
OLÉ! MONTES IN SPAIN
In Coque Restaurant, Spain, with our Spanish importers Delgado Selección (this restaurant has one of the most extensive international wine lists, including our Montes Alpha Chardonnay). Rafael Sandoval (Sommelier), Marta Carracedo (Product Manager Delgado Selección), Bartolomé Sánchez (Mi Vino magazine), Douglas and Angel Sánchez Delgado.
TASTING IN ARIZONA
Laurence Klarfeld, TGIC, with Chris Camfield, Republic National, at the Scottsdale COSTCO (Phoenix, AZ) during a Montes tasting.
Anguilla: Tropical Importers Willis Hodge, Importer at Tropical, and Christopher Jones, our representative in the area.
Anguilla Wine tasting at CuisinArt Resort & Spa: Garmon Greenaway, Sommelier, Sonia and Emmanuel Perignon, Food and Beverage Director. Stephane Zaharia (General Manager) was in the tasting too, but is not shown.
Barbados: R.L. Seale & Company Limited Celeste Pontifex, Tammie Beazley (owner of Tides Restaurant. Her husband is Chef Guy), Douglas, Sonia Montanares and Alison Ross.
Barbados Tasting at Sandy Lane Hotel (Best in Barbados, perhaps in the Caribbean, and one of the Best in the world): Christian Langlade, Hotel Manager and Jean-Christophe Requero, F&B Manager with part of their staff.
WEDDING IN ENGLAND
Sarah Jenkins, dearest friend, and Kevin Dodd, both from our UK importer HwCg, at their wedding in Saint Marys, Nonington, England (April 20th, 2007). All the best for the happy couple!
A NEW WINE BOUTIQUE IN RUSSIA
FROM DUBAI TO APALTA
Our Russian importer, DP Trade, opened a new wine boutique in Sochi, in the coast of the Black Sea, Russia. Alexandre Pochinok, the representative of the region in the Russian government cut the red tape during the ceremony.
Our Importers in Dubai visited our “La Finca de Apalta” winery.
A GREAT AWARD NIGHT IN VIETNAM... FOR THE TOP TEN CLIENTS OF MONTES With great pleasure, our Vietnam importer and Montes awarded the Top 10 Montes Clients. Many thanks to all of them and to the Vine Group team!
Mark Prechelt -CEO de African & Eastern-, Jason Dixon -General Manager African & Eastern-, Douglas Murray and Jean-Daniel Angibaud -Executive Chef Sommelier Le Meridien Dubai-.
VISITORS FROM MALAYSIA
NEW YORK ANGELS
A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING IN PUERTO VALLARTA We have received with joy a very special picture of Rita Weeks and Scott Siamas’ wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Rita is the sister of our dear Lisa Weeks, who is part of the TGIC team, our U.S.A. importers. The wedding took place last October, in a very special ceremony in Villa Quinta del Mar, Puerto Vallarta and, of course, our loved wines Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay were present thanks to Casa Cuervo, our importer in Mexico. We were told everything turned out perfect. Congratulations Rita and Scott!
Ms. Leong Suit Khee (General Manager) and Mr. Leong Keng Mun (Executive Director) from Nam Lee Cheong Sdn. Bhd., our importers of Malaysia.
HACIENDA DEL SOL, AZ
Mr. Tom Firth and family (Managing Partner of Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, Tucson, Arizona). Most of our top wines are listed in their prestigious wine list.
Rita and Lisa W
eeks.
The Cornerstone Angels, led by Marsha Palanci and Jennifer O'Flanagan, organized yet another successful Montes event in New York city, at the ultra-modern Studio 450, a brilliant white loft in the center of Manhattan. Aurelio Montes Sr. and Aurelio Montes Jr. led an impressive attendance of wine journalists through a vertical of our world-famous Montes Alpha M and other Montes and Kaiken wine samples plus a first peek at our still-in-process California wines.
I VILLAGE.COM, February 9, 2007
VALENTINE’S DAY FOOD AND WINE PAIRINGS
SANTÉ MAGAZINE, U.S.A., May 2007
100% SYRAH
Montes Cherub 2005 Rosé – 100% Syrah. “Light bodied, showing sulfur, ripe red plum, mint, and an earthy, sandy note; dry red-wine tannins on the finish. Bagna Cauda.
By Leslie Sbrocco “If your inner Cupid is running a little late this year, have no fear. You can still impress your sweetheart with a creative, romantic gift. Wine expert Leslie Sbrocco’s wine picks range from bargains to luxury options that can be paired with thoughtful gift items.” ... “In my latest book, The Simple & Savvy Wine Guide, which serves up recommendations for more than 1.000 wines organized by mood, food and season, I outline top Valentine’s Day picks in my holiday wines chapter. The following bottles all showcase top quality wine with eyecatching packaging. Montes Cherub Syrah Rosé, Chile ($17): A syrah-based dry pink wine from a Chilean superstar, Montes.”
exceptional wine and offer tours in Spanish and English.”... Viña Montes: “One of Chile’s most notable and well-respected winemakers, Aurelio Montes, owns this winery in Colchagua Valley. The sleek $7 million winery was designed with the help of a feng shui expert, and its surroundings are just as striking, from the towering Andes to the flowing Tinguiririca River to the lush vineyard. Inside, high-tech gravity flow systems move wine through the facility. Three different tours are available year-round; two are focused on the winery, vineyard and aging room and the third is a moderate hike to the native forest and Chilean oak reserve on the grounds. You’ll also have the oportunity to taste three wines, which vary by tour; the winery produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Carmenère, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Mouvèdre. Plan to spend the night in Santa Cruz -Viña Montes is about a half-day’s drive from Santiago. +56-72-825417”. WINE SPECTATOR, U.S.A., March 2007
SMART BUY
90 POINTS: MONTES SAUVIGNON BLANC 2006
WINE SPECTATOR, U.S.A., May 15, 2007
A MASTER CLASS IN CABERNET SAUVIGNON
WINE ENTHUSIAST, U.S.A., July 2007
ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP ROSÉS
90 Points: 2006 Montes Cherub Syrah. “To set Cherub apart from traditionally sweet rosés, winemaker Aurelio Montes calls this dry 100 percent Syrah a “serious” wine with subtle spiciness, hints of strawberry, rose and orange peel. “Our vineyards here are in a coastal area, which provides the perfect temperature and conditions for producing a lovely, ripe rosé”, says Montes. “I chose Syrah because this grape has a wonderful purplered color and gives fresh, yet structured wines that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with food.”
“Despite Chile’s long tradition with Cabernet Sauvignon, its winemakers’ efforts to create worldclass, vineyard-specific wines are relatively recent” ... “Other leaders include Viña Montes with its Alpha M bottling” ... “We have the challenge to make a supertop wine to really put Chile on the wine map of great wines of the world”, says Montes, one of the country’s leading winemakers. “To achieve this, we keep on looking for better terroirs, better clones and talented winemakers.” Viña Montes: “Cabernet is the strong suit of winemaker and co-owner Aurelio Montes, one of Chile’s most respected vintners. 94 Points: Montes Alpha M Santa Cruz 2004.” WINE SPECTATOR ONLINE, January 3, 2007
TOP WINERIES TO VISIT IN THE MAIPO AND COLCHAGUA VALLEYS
By Heather Morgan Shott “The wineries recommended by James Molesworth, Wine Spectator senior editor and lead taster of Chilean wines, produce
Leyda Valley, Leyda Vineyard ($16) “Rich and stylish, with focused lemon verbena, lime, mineral and honeysuckle flavors that really glide through the finish. Lengthy and pure. Drink now. –J.M.”
WATER INTO WINO (WINE BLOG), January 24, 2007
MY FIRST SYRAH FROM CHILE “Chile. Chile. Chile. I find myself thinking that every time I enter a wine store. Do I splurge on a $20 Chilean bottle or just get three bottles of a $6 Carmenère or Cab Sauvignon? Well now that I’m on a Syrah kick, that question becomes an easy one. My interest in Viña Montes wines began when my friend pointed out a Wall Street Journal review of bargain Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. Their Montes Reserve Cabernet won best of tasting at only $9 a bottle. I’ve since tried their limited series Cabernet and Carmenère blend. For only $13 it is a huge wine. The fruit of the Cab and the smoky and herbaceous Carmenère balances well with its toasty finish.”
Montes Alpha Syrah 2003, Colchagua Valley, Chile ($20): “The Alpha Series is a mid level range wines which include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah. The Syrah grapes are grown at the Apalta Vineyard, in the Colchagua Valley, an area of steep hillsides in the higher elevations. The wine is aged in French Oak for one year and about 7000 cases imported into the USA. I picked this one up for $20 but I’m sure it can be found for as little as $16 online. Ruby red color with concentrated aromas of black cherries and tobacco. Earth and floral aromas as well. Big and soft on the palate with some spice, some vanilla, as well as bitter chocolate. The finish is excellent in its length but the fruit fades a bit to fast. The 10% Cabernet Sauvignon gives this some power but it remains generous and elegant in the end. It’s not as masculine as the Columbia Winery Syrah I tried recently, but just as delicious and more exotic. My grade: A-.”
WINE REVIEW ONLINE.COM, March 27, 2007
GO COASTAL, YOUNG MAN By Mary Ewing-Mulligan “The 2006 Montes “Limited Edition” Sauvignon Blanc is a fresh, flavorful, unoaked Sauvignon Blanc with penetrating aromas and flavors and crisp acidity. So is Montes’ “Classic Series” Sauvignon Blanc, an $11 wine that’s a blend of Casablanca (51 percent) and Curicó fruit ... and so are many other Sauvignon Blancs from Chile and elsewhere. What makes the Leyda Valley wine special is its very high quality and its ability to pull off this fresh, flavorful, crisp style with more finesse than the norm. Montes’ Leyda Sauvignon has a frank, piercing aroma but one that suggests grapefruit, lime zest and stony mineral character. It also has no candied fruit character, an aroma or flavor that, in my opinion, marks a wine as more mass-market than high end. Another element of quality is the wine’s length across the palate. To use Montes’ $11 Sauvignon as a comparison, that wine delivers a bigger impact in the front of the mouth, but the wine is rather “upfront”- as many wines today are – and does not persist across the palate. But the Leyda Sauvignon, while having a less dramatic delivery, has flavor that carries all the way to your swallowing and beyond, into the finish. Its flavors are concentrated, they are intense, and they are persistent. I suppose that’s a lot of analysis for a $14.50 wine. But this isn’t just a good $14 Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a world-class Sauvignon. 90 Points.”
the scene. Incorporating produce at its best is a wonderful way to design your Easter dinner. With that in mind, the chef at Jack’s Oyster House and recent recipient of the Ivy Award, Dale Miller, has created a Warm Asparagus Vichysoisse with a Smoked Salmon Brandade Cake. This straightforward recipe is a great starter and will go a long way to impressing your guests.“ … “Looking for a wine to serve? Red wines: 90 Points Montes Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Colchagua Valley); $12. Best Buy!
WINE ENTHUSIAST, U.S.A., January 2007
90 POINTS:
MONTES CLASSIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON Montes Classic Series Cabernet Sauvignon has been rated 90 points by Wine Enthusiast and also given a "Best Buy" designation. WINE ENTHUSIAST, U.S.A., July 2007
90 POINTS:
MONTES CHERUB 2006 ROSÉ OF SYRAH 90 Points: Montes Cherub 2006 Rosé of Syrah ($17) “Out of the ordinary projects such as Cherub are what we´ve come to expect from Montes, but how quickly winemaker Aurelio Montes has figured out the nuances of rosé from Syrah. In just its second year, this wine has found its groove. More elegant than the inaugural 2005, this vintage is quite Mediterranean in style, with a vivid pink-red color and the freshest, purest fruit flavors. Who would have thought that a Chilean rosé could be this nicely put together. –M.S.“
WINE REVIEW ONLINE.COM, February 6, 2007
THE WINES OF CHILE: BETTER THAN EVER–
By Ed McCarthy Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Leyda Valley (Chile) ($12) “Although better known for its red wines, Viña Montes is now making a superb Sauvignon Blanc from the cool Leyda Valley. The 2006 Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc is dry and minerally, with aromas and flavors of grapefruit and orange. It has very good concentration and acidity. It’s about $1.50 or $2 more than Montes’ two other Sauvignon Blancs, but is clearly the one to buy. 90 Points.”
THE EDMONTON JOURNAL, CANADA, February 21, 2007
WINE PICKS WINE ENTHUSIAST ONLINE, U.S.A., March 29, 2007
WINE FOR EASTER Easter (April 8) is one of those holidays that is great for showing of the season's bounty. Spring has sprung, and with that, seasonal produce is readily available: asparagus, artichokes and morels are at their peak, while avocados, spring onions and beets are beginning to appear on
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Colchagua Valley, Chile, $25. “Alberta’s backyards are staring to sizzle as many renew their love of a good barbecued steak. This darkruby wine is a classy pairing with grilled red meat. Blackcurrant and black-cherry aromas on the nose, underlaid with suggestions of chocolate. Soft, round and a hint of spice on the palate. Drinking well now, but will cellar a decade.”
blossom when paired with food, they’re especiallly nice accompanying a meal (preferably one that Mom didn’t have to cook herself!). Our recommendation: Serve the wine chilled, with light pasta, chicken, or Asian dishes. At the Good Housekeeping test kitchen, we sipped our way through 20 rosés. Our favorite... Montes Cherub Rosé 2005, Chile ($17): An amusing angel graces the label of this deep pink wine made from Syrah grapes. Its spiciness is balanced by floral and orange notes.”
THE ASBURY PARK PRESS, U.S.A., May 24, 2007
THE CHALLENGE By Andrea Clurfeld “Down the road a couple of weeks in Eat Out, I’ll give you the deets on the sandwiches, but I will tell you right now about the juicy, fruity, berryrich 2005 Montes Cherub Rosé made in Chile from the syrah grape. There’s a faint, discreet tickle of effervescence to it, making it a delightful picnic wine. But it’s also the right wine for shaved-beef cheesesteaks, with or without, garlicky, pepper-laden, however you call’em. The Montes rosé sells for about $11.99.”
EL NUEVO DIA, PUERTO RICO, April 1st, 2007
“WHAT SHOULD I DRINK WITH SPICY FOOD?”
By Marcos Mercado Montes Cherub Rosé of Syrah 2006, Chile “Both the label by Ralph Steadman and the wine are evocative of Aurelio Montes: enthusiasm, elegance, happiness and a great lifestyle. Dry and strong, embracing floral elements (dry roses) and red fruit (fresh raspberries) in a mediumbodied spiky wine (some carbonic gas, without becoming gaseous) that prolongs soothing sensations for some time. It’s a playful and mischievous angel; let’s see if you’re encouraged to savor some highway roasted chicken on your way to Boquerón beach. It’s self-confident and has 13,5% alcohol content. Pink Strikes Back, it’s more chic than elegant, more of a Pink Panther than a Peter Sellers, and easier to conquer the world with than the harmful plans of Herbert Lom. In the $14 range”. Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Leyda Vineyard, Chile “¿Who dare serve mixed sandwiches? In this example of a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, notes of tropical fruit and vintage perfumes are long gone. This wine is genuine, wet, fresh meadow very similar to the celebrated New Zealand wines. A crunchy, yet pleasant acidity brings back remembrances of red grapefruit and white pepper. A bargain at $12 in supermarkets!” GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MAGAZINE, U.S.A., May 2007
ROSÉS FOR MOM
“Offer a bouquet of a different sort this Mother’s Day: the fresh, fruity aroma of a lovely rosé. Don’t be fooled by this wine’s bubblegum color, most varieties have only a bare hint of sweetness and some are downright dry. Since rosés really
MEN’S HEALTH MAGAZINE, U.S.A., June 2007
DRINKS AND SNACKS “To most guys, the phrase “drinks and snacks” conjures images of sugary sodas, cheese doodles, and candy bars. But by carefully selecting our favorite products in this broad category, we’ve managed to find 20 items worthy of your tastebuds –and our seal of approval. One of the best beverages... Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Chile.” ABOUT.COM, U.S.A., June 7, 2007
WINE OF THE WEEK Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Chile ($23) “At Montes Vineyards they know what it takes to produce exceptional wines. It all starts with the pampered grape! I’m not kidding, these grapes are living the good life from vine to bottle. First, Montes recognizes that Chile is a blessed winemaking country, free from phylloxera, well-situated geographically for a plethora of terroir options, and recent capital investments ensure topnotch technology to handle the grapes.” ... “Now that’s attention to detail! It’s the quality details that make Montes Vineyards a major international contributor to
the wide world of wine! As for the wine’s profile –the Montes Alpha Cab enjoys a deep garnet color, with rich red cherry fruit, wrapped in a subtle vanilla mocha envelope. The tannins are well integrated and offer the supporting structure to suggest that this wine will just get better with time. There is a hint of tobacco and touch of smoke on the well-rounded finish. A perfectly priced complement to buffalo steak, grilled game and other red meat favorites.”
DALLAS NEWS.COM, U.S.A., February 15, 2007
WINE OF THE WEEK IN DALLAS
DECANTER, U.K., July 2007
Montes Alpha Syrah 2003, Colchagua Valley ($20.99) By Rebecca Murphy “Syrah vines are slowing creeping up the foothills of the Andes at the La Finca estate of Montes in Apalta Valley within the Colchagua Valley of Chile. This superb smoky, spicy syrah showing ripe fruit and smooth tannins knows how to tame the hearty flavors of a lamb stew. Available at Central Market.”
COLLECTOR’S ITEM CHRISTMAS DRINKS COLLECTION Question (page 12): “Ralph Steadman designed the label, but can you guess the wine?” Answer (page 144): “Stand on the steep slopes of the Apalta site where the Syrah for this wine is grown and you’ll understand why it’s called Folly. Aurelio Montes was determined to grow Syrah, new to Chile at the time, in this spot, despite the fact it would need to be, he said: “harvested by acrobats”.
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, U.S.A., June 1, 2007
THE CHRONICLE’S WINE SELECTIONS INTERNATIONAL ROSÉS
“Two Stars: Montes Cherub 2006 Rosé of Syrah, Colchagua Valley ($16). “Chile’s Montes winery is most famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon; the skepticism of other wineries about its ability to market Syrah internationally caused the winery to dub its red-wine Syrahs “Montes Folly”. There’s no reason to laugh at this wine, which delivers bright cherry fruit with a slight floral note.”
FLORIDA TREND.COM, U.S.A., January 1, 2007
EXECUTIVE LIFESTYLES – WINE AND SPIRITS
By Robert W. Tolf Red: Montes Classic Malbec 2005, $10 “Chile is graduating from the ranks of bargain quaffing wines to more refined company of noble grape groupies, inspiring Concha y Toro and winemaker Aurelio Montes, whose 2005 Montes Reserve Malbec is rich, robust, refined and a great buy.“ FINANCIAL TIMES, U.K., February 9, 2007
IT TASTES GOOD AND IT DOES GOOD
By Jancis Robinson, FT.com site “Among its dozen, Majestic has chosen one I have recently been recommending to friends as a party white, Montes Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Casablanca at £6.49, which has real richness on the nose as well as typical Sauvignon green fruit flavours on the palate.“
OENOPHILEBLOG.COM, U.S.A., January 2007
GREAT SCORES TO OUR WINES
By Manos Angelakis …And then, the premium and super-premium wines: 2004 Montes Alpha “M”. This is a gorgeous, racy wine, with a beautiful nose of black cherry, black tea, cassis, and espresso and toffee notes; a true Bordeaux-styled blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, from the upper slopes of the Apalta Estate, 11% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot. With an MSRP of $70 to $80, it is well worth the investment. Aged for 18 months in French oak barriques, it has an intense dark ruby color. It is an elegant wine with well-defined character, and a long smoky finish marked by soft, silky, rounded tannins. It was one of the best bottles we sampled. Some bottle age will enhance the beauty already inside when the fruit expresses better on the mid-palate. Rated at LWM 95 points. 2004 Montes Folly. The wine’s name is in contrast to this serious Syrah beauty. A dense, big, dark ruby hued wine with long legs and 15% alcohol; this is the kind of wine some people absolutely love, and some don’t. I’m firmly in the lover’s corner. This wine is the result of a hot, dry summer in Apalta that permitted full and early maturation of the grapes. It has a powerful solid fruit core with thick layers of blackberry, boysenberry, cassis, toffee, and espresso flavors supported by lush,
well-structured tannins and a big, smoky, tarry finish. Aged for 18 months in new French oak. Definitely needs bottle age, but I think a patient oenophile will be rewarded in 5 years. Cellar it for 20, and you will have a marvelous wine. MSRP $82. Rated at LWM 94 to 97 points, depending on the bottle’s age. 2004 Purple Angel. A blend of 92% Carmenère and 8% Petit Verdot; 18 months in new French oak. Half of the Carmenère comes from La Finca de Apalta and half from El Arcángel de Marchigue Estate and that blend gives this wine the full body and spicy structure. This limited release unfiltered wine is deep purple in color and combines dark and alluring aromas and flavors of blackberry and forest fruits. It is chewy with considerable ripe tannins. A food-friendly beauty, it is touched by the wings of an angel. MSRP $48. Rated at LWM 95 points. Finally, we were lucky enough to be given to taste barrel samples of 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Syrah in pairs, one from the Apalta Estate and one from the Marchigue Estate. We were really able to appreciate the difference in taste, hue and body of these wine elements that will be used in the 2006 blends. I will also take this opportunity to add a few words for a Montes wine I like, which was not included in the tastings, the 2005 Montes Cherub. We had this lovely rosé with shrimp scampi for lunch, the day after Christmas, while visiting the Hamptons. It is made from 100% Syrah grapes from the cooler Archangel Estate, and was introduced to the US in June 2006. A deep vibrant cherry/pink color with an alluring nose of strawberries, orange peel, and honeysuckle and hints of white meadow flowers. Fresh and well balanced, it leads to an impressively long finish. Should be drunk within 3 years at most from bottling. MSRP $17. Rated at LWM 90 points. To your health! SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION, U.S.A.,July 2007
GOLDEN CHERUB
Our Montes Cherub 2006 was awarded a Double Gold Medal in the 2007 San Francisco International Wine Competition. Montes Cherub has been chosen as the “Best Rosé“ as well as earning “Best Rosé of Show“. This year had the largest amount of entries from all over the world, and we are very proud that Cherub was recognized as the top Rosé in the competition. Thanks to San Francisco wine lovers for this double award!
SARASOTA MAGAZINE, U.S.A., February 2007
WHAT I´M DRINKING Por Kristine Nickel “Sarasota’s home-grown food and wine tycoon, Michael Klauber, recently returned from hosting his Connoisseur Club trip to South America. “Argentina and Chile are impressive,” he reports. “They offer incredible food and beautiful, sophisticated cities like Mendoza, Buenos Aires and Santiago.” In Chile, he says, “the innovative guys at Montes are making great wines at super values. Montes’ Folly is made from syrah—he calls it that because everyone says you can’t grow syrah in Chile. This is award-winning.“ … Also worth trying: the cabernets and the carmenère. “But watch,” he predicts. “The up-and-coming wine will be syrah.”
GOOD GRAPE WINE, U.S.A., February 8, 2007
A WINE MANIFESTO: SYRAH WINE BLOGGING WEDNESDAY #30
Quickly on the heels of my tardy, perhaps disqualified effort for Wine Blogging Wednesday (WBW) # 29, comes WBW #30—this time hosted by my frequent collaborator Tim from Winecast.net The wine of choice for this monthly exercise in drinking and keyboarding is Syrah—no restrictions on place or origin, price, New World vs. Old World, etc. I was glad to see Syrah and I think it was selected based on its accessibility and variability at price point. You can pretty much find a Syrah at your desired price. The one thing I admire about Syrah is, unlike a Pinot, Zinfandel, Merlot or a Cabernet, I can pretty much drink any Syrah and be assured that I will be able to find some enjoyment in the glass. To me, Syrah and Riesling are the only two grapes where I can pick up just about any bottle and have confidence that it’ll be a decent quaff. The Montes Alpha Syrah 2004 from the Colchagua valley, Apalta Vineyard in Chile was
my choice for WBW. Normally, I might pick up something that would demonstrate a little street credibility, but I got this one at Costco--$14 bucks. No shame, here. I’ve come to appreciate Costco’s wine selection, and they’re the biggest wine retailer in the country with a reputation for bringing to bear high quality despite the quantity of sales. The Montes Alpha doesn’t disappoint. I drank the ’04, a wine still getting some tailwind from the ’03 being named to the Wine Spectator Top 100 list in 2005 with a 91 rating. A rating duplicated for the ’04, as well. It’s a beautiful wine and a bargain at $14 —easily a $25 dollar wine value with more Old World nuance than New World bombast. Well balanced overall with nice acid, integrated tannins, ample dark cherry fruit, vanilla, spice and some earth all melded seamlessly to provide a glass of joy. This is pretty close to what I would drink everyday if I weren’t ‘wine promiscuous.’ It’s a great wine. It does need a little bit of air, opening up in the glass after 1/2 hr. to an hour. So, don’t feel bad for pouring and revisiting the glass later on in the evening. Pick up a Syrah, for my money, always a good bang for the buck and pick up the Montes Alpha 2004 Syrah from Colchagua Valley—an extreme value and a delightful wine.“
WINE ACCESS, CANADA, February-March 2007
THE OTHER WEST COAST By Rod Phillips “Another development is the appearance of iconic wineries. One is the new Montes winery which was designed and laid out on the principles of feng-shui. Gregorian chants serenades the wine 24 hours in the barrels room. I leave it to others to comment on the effect of all this, but the Montes wines are truly striking and have struck responsive chords around the world. They range from rich sauvignon blancs and chardonnays (from Casablanca and Leyda fruit) to focused an elegant merlot, cabernet and syrah from Colchagua and impressive wines like “Purple Angel“ carmenère and “Folly“ syrah.“ 92 Points: Montes Purple Angel 2004. “The Purple Angel 2004, edition number two, may be even better than the first year. The mix of 92 per cent carmenère and 8 per cent petit verdot blends cool and warm fruit flavours to perfection. Carmenère is naturally low in acidity and given its
need to ripen late you run the risk of making flabby wines, but Aurelio Montes uses the cooler Marchigüe fruit to improve the structure and acidity of the ripe mountain fruit of Apalta. We love the cherry vanilla aromas and savoury carmenère notes. Silky smooth and dense in texture this is carmenère for the sceptics. (AG).“ 92 Points: Montes Alpha M 2003. “Alpha M is an 80/10/5/5 blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot. This is powerful stuff. Look for a peppery, licorice, cassis jam nose with flecks of mineral, eucalyptus, cigar, sweaty saddle, coffee, blackberry and iodine aromas. Rich, dry and round there is much minty, tobacco, spicy, sappy cassis flavours with coffee, vanilla, peppery, black olive after flavours. Fine concentration, tight and young but with some greenness to shed. Should be fine in a decade. (ST).“
SANTÉ MAGAZINE, U.S.A., June 2007
THREE RECOMMENDED WINES Montes Folly 2004, Apalta Valley. “Full bodied and concentrated with ripe and lush fruit and firm but fine tannins; long black fruit finish. Impressive. Grilled beef or lamb. $330/case.“ Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Colchagua Valley. “Fresh spearmint, roasted meat, and gaminess, with a hint of copper penny. Smoky French oak with well-integrated tannins and a medium raspberry jam finish. Roasted lamb with mint sauce. $170/case.“ Montes Classic Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Colchagua Valley. “Well balanced and medium bodied with ripe, dusty black cherry, blackberry, and a hint of citrus acidity throughout. Versatile. Fatty fish. $106/case.“
WINE ENTHUSIAST, U.S.A., February 2007
CHILE´S LIVING LEGENDS Por Michael Schachner Four of Chile´s most influential winemakers discuss the past, present and future of their country´s dynamic wine industry. Unbound by centuries of traditions and regulations, New World wine producers tend to be progressive in their winemaking and aggressive in the marketing of their wines. As a result, the past decade or two has seen Australia, the United States, Chile and a few other relative newcomers carve out their own sizable pieces of the global wine pie. The one thing that you won´t get much of from the neophytes, however, is perspective. While young wine industries with young winemakers tending to young vines may bode well for the present and future, clear views of what went on beforehand are limited. So when Wine Enthusiast decided to examine the topsy-turvy history of the modern Chilean wine industry and also peer into the future, we turned to four of Chile´s most accomplished veteran winemakers for some all-important perspective.“ … Following are Aurelio´s answers: “Wine Enthusiast: What was your first job in wine and what was the Chilean wine industry like when you first got into it? Aurelio Montes: I started as a fledgling winemaker at Undurraga in 1972. At the time we lacked perspective. Nobody traveled, consumption was at 55 liters per person (now it´s about 15 liters), almost all our wine was drunk locally, and the outlook was basic at best. WE: When did your industry start to change for the better? Was it during or after Pinochet´s 17year reign? AM: The wine industry begin to evolve in the 1980s, but it was independent of Pinochet. We all knew domestic consumption was falling and we grasped onto a new mantra, which was
“Export or Die“. But at that time the world wanted nothing to do with us. We were political pariahs. But when democracy came to us in the early 1990s, the world opened up to Chile. WE: How has the viticultural education system evolved? AM: In Chile, it´s difficult to simply label yourself a winemaker. You must become an agronomy engineer, which takes five years, and then you have to take enology courses, which requires another two years. Fortunately, the universities have grown with the times and they are permitting students to go abroad and learn as part of their studies. The current and future generations are much more prepared than our group. We never traveled. I worked six years before taking my first trip to another country. And where did I go? To Mendoza, Argentina; right across the mountains. WE: Would you say that the Chilean wine industry has grown faster or slower than what you expected when you got into the business, and where is it headed? AM: Without a doubt growth has been much greater than most of us thought it would be. We´ve discovered that the world is thirsty for wines of quality at competitive prices. Fortunately, consumers have also learned that Chile can do more than simply produce wines of good value. WE: Over the past couple of decades, where has the competition come from and which countries might emerge as future competitors? AM: Early on it was the Old World countries of France, Italy and Spain, and it was virtually imposible to sell our wines in Europe. Fairly recently Argentina and South Africa have entered the game. For the future, I expect the Old World countries to reassess and reposition themselves. It´s already happening in Spain and I think Italy and France will soon follow. WE: Do you believe Chile should held up as a model for success among New World wine producers? AM: Chile has efficiently developed its wine industry, and I´m sure that Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa look at us with respect and admiration. But I must be honest: Australia has been even more successful than Chile and it is we who look at Australia with respect and admiration. WE: With decades of experience to draw upon, what do you know believe are Chile´s three best grape varieties? AM: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Carmenère. WE: How would you best describe yourself:
pioneer, iconoclast, visionary or something else? AM: I come from a generation that opened markets around the world, so in that sense I see myself as a pioneer. But I also claim the titles of innovator and most important of all, tireless worker. “Aurelio Montes, 58, is president and head winemaker of Montes S.A., which he helped found in 1988. Montes began his winemaking career in the 1970s, first at Undurraga and later at San Pedro. In addition, he is currently a consultant to wineries including Ventisquero, Santa Inés and Viu Manent. A recipient of countless winemaking and business-oriented awards, Montes was an early proponent of the now-famed Apalta vineyards in the Colchagua Valley and a pace-seller in the planting and vinifying of Syrah. In 2002 Wine Enthusiast named Montes S.A. its New World Winery of the Year.“
SUCCESSFUL ONLINE WINE TASTING SEMINAR!, JUNE 2007 Last Tuesday June 5th, the first ever Internet Wine Tasting from Chile was led by our Aurelio Montes. Over 85 wine writers from USA interacted one-on-one with Aurelio Montes, President and Winemaker, through the Internet, in real time, with interesting topics such as Chile: A Winemakers Paradise, Distinctive Terroir: Leyda & Colchagua and Dynamic Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah. And the wine tasted were Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Leyda; Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2005; Montes Marchigüe Barrel Sample, Montes Apalta Barrel Sample, and Montes Folly 2004. We are happy and proud to received excellent comments from our participating wine writers.
Here are a few of them: “I just wanted to thank you for helping to coordinate and host such an informative Chilean Wine Seminar. I thought Aurelio did a fantastic job communicating a lot of pertinent and interesting info. in a short amount of time. I really enjoyed sampling their wines. I wish more wineries would take this web-based seminar innovative approach for wine tasting/education and display what their country or winery has to offer. Three cheers for Montes Winery!“ - Stacy Slinkard, wine writer, About.com, Inc. an online subsidiary of the New York Times. “That was an ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIC event. Very informative, very efficient All were impressed with the wines as well as the presentation Thank you for including me.“ - William Kearns, Bordertown, NJ. “Just a note to say thanks for including me in this! It worked just fine from my point of view I viewed it with Richard Swearinger down at the Meredith offices. It was a well organized event, and we appreciate being included.“ - Wini Moranville. “Thanks for your help and advice on the webcast. I found a good computer to hook up. Please thank Mr. Montes for taking the time and effort to make it such a succinct and interesting presentation. I have an upcoming feature column on Montes and this just fits right in with what Im doing and adds to my knowledge.“ Dennis Schaefer, wine columnist, Santa Barbara News-Press, CA. “This is so cool! Congrats!“ - Michael Green, New York, NY.
THAMES RIVER WINE & SPIRITS, New London, Connecticut, U.S.A.
WINE TASTING IN WINE FEVER BLOG
newlondonwine.blogspot.com “Thames River Wine & Spirits, the home of wineradio.com dedicated to offering carefully selected fine wine, spirits and beer. Beginners, experts and collectors alike will be right at home here. Where enjoying wine is a way of life.“ “This week we are pouring the wines of Montes Vineyards, from Chile. Wine Maker Notes: From the beginning of times, viña Montes centered its efforts in producing wines of excellence. The high
standards attained by the wines, have taken the Montes name to the most elevated standing of acknowledgement and recognition globally. It has been attained with sacrifice and hardship as well as with great care; we have wanted to transfer our viewpoint to every corner of the world. Our intent is for every good restaurant, hotel or wine store in any part of the world to carry Montes wines. Over 75 countries already supply our wines and the list is yet to be exhausted. We wish to continue introducing new markets internationally, no matter how small hoping to add new wine lovers to our extensive list of regular Montes wine consumers worldwide. Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc $12 A clear, crispy and fruity wine with light yellow-green color, bright and transparent. The aroma shows its power and super Sauvignon Blanc character, also showing the full potential of its cold zone origin, with morning fogs, low temperatures and long hanging period. Denomination of Origin: Leyda Valley. Montes Merlot $12 Elegant, refined and a marked fruitiness almost irresistible to Merlot lovers and to those who sample it for the first time. Strong, spicy black pepper, full of harmony and soft to the palate. We decided to blend 15% Cabernet Sauvignon with this Merlot, to better marry with the oak, and give structure and finesse that will also permit long term ageing. Denomination of Origin: Colchagua Valley. Montes Cabernet Sauvignon $12 Intense ruby-red color. The nose is packed with layers of caramel, cinnamon, candy and hints of mint, with a prevalence of fruit over oak. A spicy, fullflavored wine, with good body, fruit and firm tannins. An engaging and strong finish. Well recommended for ageing. Denomination of Origin: Colchagua Valley. Montes Purple Angel $54 Montes pioneered the Chilean wine scene by creating superpremium wines, including the Montes Alpha range, and icons such as Montes Alpha M and Montes Folly. Montes also led the way to quality by planting on steep mountain slopes. But Montes, Chile's wine pioneer, also knows when to wait –Aurelio Montes preferred to take his time and develop the Carmenère variety until he was satisfied that it could be a top contender, the very best Montes could possibly produce. It was worth the wait...this new beauty (a blend of 92% Carmenère and 8% Petit Verdot, with 18 months in new French and American oak barrels) is touched by the wings of an angel... a PURPLE ANGEL.“
MONTES IN SOUTH PACIFIC 3
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AUSTRALIA 1. Steve Donohue, Ian Wolfe and Dan Murphy’s fine wine specialists, Melbourne, Australia. 2, 4, 7, 8, 11. Caton Hicks and his fine wine specialist in several Dan Murphy’s stores in Sydney (Wenworthville, with Jean Pierre; Alex in Willoughby, Sean at Brooksfield and Alison at Huntsville). 3, 6, 9, 10. David Heseltine and Dan Murphy’s store managers & fine wine specialists in their Noosaville, Woollangabba and Middle Park (Queensland) stores. 5. Tony Leon, Dan Murphy’s General Manager and great friend for many years, and his charming wife Hannah Leon.
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NEW ZEALAND 1. Frances and Stephen, owners, Mollies Hotel. 2. Kathy Sturge & Marcus Pickens, Hancocks, NZ 3. Winemaker’s Dinner at Mollies Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand. 4. Joe Jakicevich & His Hancocks team, NZ importers COOK ISLANDS 5. CITC in-store tasting, Rarotonga. 6, 10, 11, 12, 13. Winemaker’s dinner at Little Polynesian Hotel, Rarotonga. 7. Vaine and Trevor Clarke, our importers in Cook Islands (CITC). 8. Teariki Pennycook, CITC, and Carlos Batchler, Chilean chef, at Little Polynesian Hotel, Rarotonga. 9. CITC top team and inner circle.
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8 FRENCH POLYNESIA (Bora Bora & Moorea) 1. Christophe Bergeron, F&B Mgr., Sofitel Bora Bora Beach Resort. 2. Jean-Pierre Challeau, Director General, and Serge, Assistant Manager, Moorea Pearl Resort, with Jean-Francois Govin (Sodispo). 3. Lionel Richard, F&B Director, St. Regis, Bora Bora. 4. Livio Ranza, GM, Hotel Bora Bora, Granddaddy of them all. 5. Francisca Antunes, General Manager, Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa. 6. Craig, owner, Bloody Mary’s Restaurant, a landmark in Bora Bora. 7. Eric Leroy, F&B Mgr., Maytai Hotel, Bora Bora and friends. 8. Jean-Francois Govin and Frederic Paquis, Sodispo. 9. Xavier Masson, F&B Mgr., InterContinental Moorea (French Polynesia).
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PAPEETE (French Polynesia) 10. Alan Scotti (LAN) and Nadia. 11. Michel Monvoison and Maheata White at Winemaker’s Dinner in Mango Café, Papeete, sponsored by American Express and LAN. 12. Group of wine lovers. 13. J.F. Govin, Patrick (owner, Mango Café) and friend. EASTER ISLAND 14. Lya and Juan Edmonds, Easter Islands Distributors. 15. Gilles Pesquet. 16. Tavo (Maître) and Leonardo Diaz (Chef) Hotel Hanga Roa.
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THE WINE EXPERIENCE.COM RADIO SHOW, March 16, 2007
WINE ON THE RADIO
FOOD & WINE, U.S.A., June, 2007
STAR SELECTION
By Ray Isle Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2006 ($14). “Montes, one of Chile’s best Sauvignon Blanc producers, makes this crisp, citrusy reserve bottling with grapes from the Leyda Valley, close to the Pacific Ocean.”
Montes Classic Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, $9. “We get really excited when we find a wine for less than ten bucks that we can share with everyone. Here’s a great one we discovered – Montes Cabernet Sauvignon 2005. Friends, this is a stunning wine for the price. It’s Cabernet from Chile that has the style and structure of much pricier wines. Montes Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 is from Chile’s Colchagua Valley nestled in the shadow of the towering Andes but graced by the sea breezes of the nearby Pacific. It’s aged in American oak which gives it a minty aroma and spicy flavor to go along with very dense dark fruit taste, like just picked blackberries. We also find there’s like a dusting of mocha when you swallow that sip and there’s a flavor laden finish. Remember, this is a Cabernet Sauvignon for under ten dollars so it’s a terrific everyday value and a great choice whether there’s a burger on the grill or a sizzling strip streak ... Our choice for wine of the week ... Montes Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005.” Winemaker’s Notes: “D.O. Colchagua Valley. Intense ruby red color. The nose is packed with layers of caramel, cinnamon, candy and hints of mint with a prevalence of fruit over the American oak. Spicy, full flavored wine with good body, fruit and firm tannins. An engaging and strong finish. Also recommended for short term cellaring. A handsomely styled Chilean Cabernet. Blackberry and black cherry fruit are supported by a host of herb and chocolate accents. Tannin and acidity levels are right in balance and the finish leaves dry.”
SUN-SENTINEL.COM, U.S.A., May 9, 2007
RESTAURANT WINE, U.S.A., Jan/Feb, 2007
CHILEAN RED WINES – HIGH PRICED ★★★★
Montes Alpha Syrah 2004, Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, $176 ($22) “Rich, full bodied, and complex in character, this is a powerful Syrah, with intense fruitiness (blackberry, black licorice), and layers of spicy oak character (cedar, toast, roasted nut). (2008-2009).”
“I CAN ATTEND A WINE TASTING IN CHILE ... WITHOUT LEAVING HOME”
By Deborah Hartz-Seeley “I just got an invitation to a live wine tasting in Montes Winery in Chile. What really interested me is that this is not an invitation to travel to South America but to an “Online wine tasting seminar.” My understanding is that the attendees will be sent wine and glassware. They sign onto the computer at the proscribed time and go through the tasting with president and winemaker Aurelio Montes. Then too
they get to “interact one-on-one with Aurelio through the Internet in real time from the comfort of the office/home”, says the invitation. It seems like a wonderful idea. Think of all the things you could do like this online. For example, people worldwide could have a live cooking class with a famous chef (he/she sends a list of ingredients and equipment before the class). Maybe you could have dinner with a famous foodie. He/she tells you what to serve beforehand then you sit down “together” over the internet and eat. The possibilites seem endless.”
OCREGISTER.COM, ORANGE COUNTY’S NEWS SOURCE, U.S.A., May 3, 2007
RED ROSÉ OF CHILE
By Chris Knap Montes Cherub 2005 Rosé of Syrah Chile’s Aurelio Montes has long been a source of serious and very well-priced wine. I’m especially a fan of Montes’ cold-fermented Chardonnay, a crisp wine layered with tropical fruit and unburdened with the excessive creaminess that comes from too much malolactic (secondary) fermentation. It is typically one of the best bargains in any grocery. This week’s wine is a new Montes effort, its first ever rosé. Although it’s camouflaged behind a whimsical name, this is another serious effort by a winemaker who closely emulates the techniques of the great wineries of France. The label features a caricature of a cherub by British artist Ralph Steadman, the wild scribbler employed to great effect by Bonny Doon’s Randall Grahm and the late Hunter S. Thompson, among others. Anyway, as to the wine, Montes was one of the first to plant Syrah grapes in Chile, shocking his peers by planting at a high altitude. If you are a fan of Syrah you know that’s a canny move, but at the time it was thought to be folly. The grapes for this wine come from the Colchagua Valley, Chile’s Napa, a warm valley southwest of Santiago that is tempered by Pacific breezes. The Syrah grapes are left on the skins for just one night, giving the wine its rose-pink color, before being drained away for the rest of the fermentation. It’s a classic Provencal-style dry rosé, with a nose of red berries and briar and flavors of strawberry, raspberry, lemon and watermelon, with just a touch of rhubarb, wood and tea on the finish. Dry rosés go with almost anything. This wine was outstanding with grilled ahi tuna with a Thai peanut sauce. You also could serve it with grilled vegetables, chicken tacos, even steak on a hot evening.”
PENINSULA HONG KONG HOTEL, December 2006
WINE OF THE MONTH IN HONG KONG
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 was one of the “Wines of the Month“ in the five star Peninsula Hong Kong Hotel. According to the special wine list: “Ruby red in color with red fruit evocation of blackcurrant, chocolate and cigar box, full bodied and balanced with a lasting persistence and a remarkable finish. HK$120.00 per glass / HK$580.00 per bottle.“
category of Chilean wines that I tasted, with more than 60 bottlings rated. Among other solid Cabernet producers are Viña Montes“ and others. … “Joining the Don Melchor among the elite are several familiar names, including Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta Colchagua Valley 2003 (94, $ 65), Montes Alpha M 2004, Santa Cruz (Score: 94, $ 93), Montes Folly 2004, Santa Cruz (Score: 93, $ 93)…“ “Syrah has become a hot commodity in Chile, catching the fancy of winemakers who are unconvencided that Carmenère can
WINE SPECTATOR, U.S.A., May 15, 2007
CHILE´S NEXT CHALLENGE
By James Molesworth “Top Chilean vintners are still producing outstanding Cabernet Sauvignons and Carmenères, and now they have added quality Syrahs and even Pinot Noirs to their rosters… Yet while the country consistently produces distinctive wines, success seems limited to a handful of wineries. Since my last annual report on Chile (“Chile Chugs Along“, May 15, 2006), I have reviewed more than 325 Chilean wines, nearly three dozen of which scored 90 points or better on Wine Spectator´s 100-point scale. The top wines are exceptional, but they have remained a static group in recent years, mirroring the industry, which is dominated by a few large players.“ … “Overall, Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings lead the way among Chile´s top new releases. Cabernet Sauvignon, the most widely planted grape in Chile, accounts for about one-third of the country´s vineyards. It also represents the largest varietal
Find us on the Web!! www.monteswines.com
ultimately be the country´s calling card. “I am so happy with Syrah in Chile“, says Viña Montes´ Aurelio Montes, one of the country´s most experienced and respected winemakers. “It is improving so fast, I think it will pass our “Jurassic“ variety, Carmenère,“ he adds with a wink.“ … “Pinot Noir is also receiving more attention from Chilean vintners, who are planting it in cooler spots. White wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, are rapidly improving, too. Look for the Viña Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Leyda Valley, Leyda Vineyard (Score: 90, $16).“James Molesworth´s Recommended Wines from Chile Top Wines 94 Points: Montes Alpha M 2004, Santa Cruz. “Alluring nose of Kenya AA coffee and bittersweet cocoa, with polished black currant, fig and loam. Fine-grained finish. ($ 93).“
93 Points: Montes Folly 2004, Santa Cruz. “Lovely crushed blueberry and currant fruit in this Syrah, with mineral, briar, mocha and bacon on the full-bodied finish. ($ 93).“ 91 Points: Montes Alpha Syrah 2004, Colchagua Valley, Apalta Vineyard. “Aromas of black cherry confiture and freshly shaved vanilla bean lead to a supple palate of cassis, plum and mineral. ($ 25).“ SEATTLE PI.COM, June 20, 2007
DRINK UP: MONTES RESERVE MALBEC 2005
By Leslie Kelly “Here's a red that drinks like a steak wine, at burger prices ($10). Actually, this is a great mate for a summer cookout where grilled meat is on the menu. Malbec is one of those under-theradar blending grapes, usually adding character to cabernet sauvignon. But in South America Chile and Argentina especially- the varietal seems like another beast altogether. It's got some muscle, but it's not a bruiser. There's a soft, subtle blackberry quality that takes the edge off. To be honest, I grabbed this bottle thinking it was from Argentina, my favorite value-priced wine destination. So, I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be such a smash. But then I learned that Chilean winemaker Aurelio Montes had crossed over the Andes and was also making wine in Argentina. (He will launch a label in Napa, too, but it's in the ultra-premium category).“
FOOD ARTS, U.S.A., March 2007 .
A VIBRANT ROSÉ
Montes Cherub Rosé Syrah 2005, Colchagua Valley. “Best Buy: With rosé still on the rise and spring just around the corner, now would be a good time to scoop up this vibrant pink Chilean wine with lots of thirstquenching strawberry and cherry fruit and even a bit of peppery Syrah spice and fresh flower in the aroma. 2,000 cases made. Score: 87. Cost: $170 per case.“
MONTES S.A. Av. Del Valle 945, Of 2611, Ciudad Empresarial, Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile Tel: 56-2-2484805, Fax: 56-2-2484790 e-mail: montes@monteswines.com PLEASE CONTRIBUTE YOUR MONTES NEWS It will be our pleasure to receive your news and also whatever is written about our MONTES and MONTES ALPHA wines.