Montes Alpha M 2018

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Montes
Label Name:
 
Alpha M
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
Chile
Region:
 
Apalta, Colchagua Valley (Rapel/Rapel Valley)
Volume:
 
5000ml
ABV:
 
14.8%
Grape(s):
 
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 96; Decanter 96; Wine Spectator 95; Vinous 93; Wine Enthusiast 93; Robert Parker's Wine Advocate ~91; Decanter World Wine Awards Silver (2021); Descorchados 96

Tasting Note
Perfumed black and red fruits—blackberry, cassis and raspberry—plus cedar, tobacco, vanilla, dark chocolate and savory spice. Smooth yet structured with silky tannins and a long, layered finish.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled ribeye, roast lamb, beef stews, braised short ribs, aged hard cheeses. Asian: Peking duck, Korean BBQ (bulgogi), char siu, miso-marinated beef, spicy Sichuan beef.

Production Method
Hand-harvested, rigorous berry selection; fermented in stainless tanks with extended maceration; aged ~18 months in French oak (≈80% new). Small-batch, limited-production blend.

Vineyard Info
Viña Montes, founded by Aurelio Montes, is a leading Colchagua/Apalta producer known for premium, limited-release Bordeaux-style blends and high-altitude Apalta vineyards.