Kaiken by Montes Ultra Merlot 2020

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Kaiken by  Montes
Label Name:
 
Ultra Merlot
Vintage:
 
2020
Country:
 
Argentina
Region:
 
Vistalba, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.5%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
3
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 90 (vintage reviews cite); Kaiken producer named Sommelier Wine Awards 'New World Producer of the Year' 2024 (producer accolade)

Tasting Note
Bright ruby with violet hues. Ripe cherries, plums and cassis with chocolate, coffee and spicy oak. Silky entry, round ripe tannins, medium body, balanced acidity and a long, persistent finish.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled lamb or steak, roast pork, pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses. Asian: Korean bulgogi or BBQ, char siu (Chinese BBQ pork), teriyaki beef, Peking duck, spicy Sichuan beef stir-fry.

Production Method
Hand-harvested; pre-fermentation maceration, fermented in concrete at controlled temperatures, post-fermentation maceration; aged ~12 months in French oak (mix of new and used) and bottle-aged before release.

Vineyard Info
Kaiken by Montes founded in 2002 by Aurelio Montes; produces Mendoza wines from estate and partner vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley with sustainable practices.