MONTES ALPHA | Special Cuvée | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2020
cabernet sauvignon | syrah | carmenère

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The story of Montes started in 1987 when the two visionary partners, Aurelio Montes and Douglas Murray, wanted to realize their dreams of producing wines of a quality far superior to the ones that was being produced in Chile at that time, thus giving birth to Viña Montes, called in the beginning DiscoverWine Ltda. An unique feature of the winery is its impressive, semi-circular underground cellar, that lies at the heart of the building, where 800 new, french oak barrels are surrounded by gregorian chants – the first winery in the world that ages wines with music. Scientific studies suggest that soft vibrations (cymatics) make the wines age better than in silence or with strident music. Researchers found that red wine taste was altered up to 40 percent by powerful and heavy music, and up to 25 percent by mellow music.

The wine that we are going to review today hardly requires any introduction, as this is one of the most recognizable wine labels from the Colchagua Valley of Chile – Special Cuvée | Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 by Montes Alpha. Cabernet Sauvignon is grown all over the world in a wide range of climates and regions and it can produce wines that are very high in tannins and acidity, that can mature and develop for many years in the bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon is also a late ripening grape variety, which means that it is best suited for warm climates, where it is capable to produce wines that can reach into realms of perfection, where they are rarely followed. This is the superior version of the estate’s classic cabernet sauvignon wine, created by Aurelio Montes, where the winemaker wanted to highlight the unique characteristics of their cabernet sauvignon, enhanced with slightly more, but well integrated oak-derived flavours. Technically, this wine is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (85% – 169 and 46 clones), with splashes of syrah (10% – 300 and 99 clones) and carmenère (5% – GB01 clone), sourced from the Marchigüe vineyard (a relatively cool terroir, located between the Coastal Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean in the Colchagua Valley), planted on clay-rich soil. In order to soften the tannins and gain extra complexity, the final wine has been aged for 12 months in french oak barriques, from which 60% new oak and 40% oak at second and third use. What makes this wine really unique is that fact that it is one of the very few wines in the world aged with music. Imagine this: in the winery’s dimly lit cellar, barrels are neatly arranged in semi-circular tiers, simulating an amphitheater, where gregorian chants are played 24/7. But enough with all that theory, that said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
colour: deep & opaque ruby color
clarity: hazy & noble ruby shades

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & oaky-earthy
fruit character: ripe & overripe

On the first nose, this wine unveils a vibrant ripe and overripe fruit character that immediately captures attention. In the foreground, the wine revealed the presence of black fruits, which are intertwined with nuanced, oak-derived undertones. As the aroma unfolded, the background exuded earthy and spicy elements, accompanied by subtle hints of earthiness, which adds depth to the overall aromatic profile. This wine effortlessly combines the extracted fruity allure with that trademark, chilean earthy dustiness, making it a truly enjoyable choice for wine enthusiasts seeking a genuine, terroir-driven experience.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: crisp & seedy

On the palate, this wine delivers a harmonious interplay of flavors and textures. The fruit character is ripe and overripe, with notes of black fruits and well integrated, oak-derived flavours that further enhances the wine’s overall complexity, providing a tantalizing balance. On the palate, exuberant acidity enlivens the senses, while the ripe and firm tannins impart a pleasingly firm structure. A touch of alcoholic warmth further enhances the wine’s body, mixing old world’s delicacy with new world’s flamboyance. The wine’s body is firm and rich, displaying a well-structured complexity that promises a good ageing potential.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or age for 3 to 5 more years
verdict: great | a must try wine

All in all, this is an extracted and expressive wine blend, that is revealing the true essence of a textbook, dusty chilean cabernet sauvignon. It reflects the unique terroir from which it hails, highlighting the region’s distinct characteristics. However, it is worth noting that in its current state, the wine lacks some elegance and finesse on the palate. While it impresses with its depth and intensity, a touch of refinement would elevate the overall drinking experience. This wine that would be a perfect fit for those wine connoisseurs, looking for a modern, terroir-driven cabernet sauvignon wine that embodies the essence of its origin.

//Scoring
MONTES ALPHA | Special Cuvée | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2020
variety: cabernet sauvignon | syrah | carmenère
country: Chile
region: Colchagua Valley
rating: 94.3
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This is definitely a great wine of Chile and, with a total of 94.3 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Based on the wine’s expressive aromatic profile and its rich palate, we believe it will pair lovely with rustic, grilled prime rib. The ripe and overripe fruit character in the wine, along with the presence of black fruits and oak-derived undertones, would beautifully complement the rich and flavorful profile of the meat, while the wine’s exuberant acidity and firm tannins, would help cut through the richness of the prime rib texture. In the same key, the seedy-crisp aftertaste of the wine would provide a refreshing contrast to the succulent meat, while the touch of alcoholic warmth would add an extra layer of depth. This pairing will highlight the wine’s bold and complex nature, allowing it to shine alongside a classic, hearty dish, creating a memorable dining experience that is all about flavours and textures. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.