Winemaker Notes
Montes Alpha "M" is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Merlot (5%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Petit Verdot (5%), which links all the other grapes. The Cabernet Franc enhances the elegance of the first variety, and is in total harmony with the softness of the second and austerity of the third.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2011 Montes Alpha M is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with some Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. 2011 was a bit cooler than 2010, and the wine might have more edges, and a little higher acidity. I find better balance in this 2011 compared with the 2010, with nerve and acidity, volume and great balance. The nose is still closed, less expressive and benefits from air, but there is a greater sense of harmony and integration, and I think in the long run it will be a better wine. This is a classic. Drink 2015-2027.
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Wine Spectator
A fleshy red, with lusciously fruity flavors of dark plum, cherry compote and dried blackberry, long and well-spiced. Structured, with a focused acidity that supports the long finish, accented by dark chocolate and cream. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2020.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Well-regarded for intense and exceptionally high quality red wines, the Colchagua Valley is situated in the southern part of Chile’s Rapel Valley, with many of the best vineyards lying in the foothills of the Coastal Range.
Heavy French investment and cutting-edge technology in both the vineyard and the winery has been a boon to the local viticultural industry, which already laid claim to ancient vines and a textbook Mediterranean climate.
The warm, dry growing season in the Colchagua Valley favors robust reds made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Malbec and Syrah—in fact, some of Chile’s very best are made here. A small amount of good white wine is produced from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.