MONTES ALPHA | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2020
cabernet sauvignon | merlot

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The story of Montes Alpha 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 tonight hardly requires any introduction, as this is one of the most recognizable wine labels from the Colchagua Valley of Chile – 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 estate’s blueprint cabernet sauvignon wine, created by Aurelio Montes as a pioneer for the chilean premium wine niche. Technically, this wine is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (90% – 169 and 46 clones) and merlot, sourced from the Apalta and Marchigüe vineyards (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 was aged for 12 months in french oak barriques, from which 50% new oak. What makes this wine really unique is the 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, wine barrels are neatly arranged in the shape of an amphitheater, where gregorian chants are played 24/7. 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 ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby shades

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

On the first nose, this wine unveils a ripe and overripe fruit character that immediately captures attention. In the foreground, it revealed the presence of black fruits, which are complemented by nuanced earthy undertones. As the aroma unfolded, the background reveals oaky and spicy hints, followed by a subtle leathery finale, which adds depth to the overall aromatic profile. This wine combines the extracted fruity allure with that trademark chilean earthy-dustiness, making it an 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 to 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 grippy-ripe 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. This is a quite powerful wine with a firm and rich body, displaying a well-structured complexity.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or age for 3 to 5 more years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

All in all, this is a rich, extracted and expressive wine, that can be described as a textbook, dusty chilean cabernet sauvignon. It reflects the unique terroir from which it originates, highlighting the region’s distinct, earthy characteristics. However, it is worth noting that in its current state, the wine lacks some finesse on the palate, while it impresses with its depth and intensity, still a touch of refinement would elevate the overall drinking experience to a whole new level. This is a wine that would be a perfect fit for those wine connoisseurs, looking for a modern, terroir-driven cabernet sauvignon that is mixing power with delicacy.

//Scoring
MONTES ALPHA | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2020
variety: cabernet sauvignon | merlot
country: Chile
region: Colchagua Valley
rating: 94.2
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This is definitely a great wine of Chile and, with a total of 94.2 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: Judging by the wine’s expressive aromatic profile and its rich palate, we believe it will pair lovely with rustic, grilled prime rib. The ripe to 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 alcoholic warmth in the wine would add an extra layer of depth. This pairing will highlight the wine’s nuanced and bold nature, allowing it to shine alongside a classic, hearty dish, creating a memorable dining experience that is all about flavours and textures. Enjoy!

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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.