Montes Alpha M 1999

The slopes of Apalta in Colchagua (in the Central Valley) enclose a half-moon shaped area with a unique micro-climate, defined by the mountains and one of Chile's widest rivers, the Tinguiririca. The best slopes in this valley, with a 15% average inclination and over 45° in the upper slopes, are found on our property where we grow the grapes for MONTES ALPHA M. Having a west-south-west exposure allows for exactly the right number of hours of sunlight and provides us with an ocean breeze (the sea is only 30 kms away). The very warm days but cool winds at night with their lowering temperatures read more...give a micro-climate particularly suited for growing red grape varieties. Add to this, the poor soils with little organic matter, drip irrigation, and the high density of vines (over 4.800 per hectare) make growing conditions just right. MONTES ALPHA M is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Merlot (10%) and Cabernet Franc (10%) which enhances the elegance of the first variety, and is in total harmony with the softness of the second and austerity of the third. The wine is an intense multi-hued ruby red with an aroma redolent of berries. The red fruit with notes of black pepper and spices blends harmoniously when aged over one year in French oak barriques that contribute subtle vanilla tones. 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. Although young, MONTES ALPHA M can be enjoyed now or cellared for several years (it will continue to improve in the bottle for more than 10 years). We recommend serving this wine with lamb chops, roast lamb, lamb casserole, steak and kidney in all its forms, roast goose or roast turkey, also beef Bourguignonne, roast venison, rabbit, boar. If a vegetarian, it will go extremely well with vegetable lasagne. 1999 is considered the best vintage of the century for red wines and our M reflects this very accurately. It may be the best of the four vintages so far.    (hide)

Rating: 94/100 - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 171 on Jun-07

Rating: 92/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator

Rating: 91/100 - As reviewed by Wine & Spirits Magazine

No written review

September 2008