Montes 2006 Folly Syrah (Santa Cruz)

Montes Folly is the benchmark by which all other Chilean Syrahs must measure themselves. Yes, it’s entirely New World in its approach, but how can you gripe about such a potent brew of balsam wood, tanned leather, licorice, mineral and monster black fruit? The palate is big but balanced by live-wire acidity, and…  — M.S.   Published 7/1/2009

Montes 2009 Alpha M Red (Santa Cruz)

This is concentrated and stout on the nose, with roasted black-fruit aromas bolstered by coconut, tobacco and cool-earth accents. The palate is thick, rich and layered with black fruit extract and tannin, bearing flavors of dark plum, baked blackberry, savory spice and BBQ sauce. It’s smooth, deep and long on the…  — M.S.   Published 9/1/2012

• Editors' Choice

Montes 2001 Folly Syrah (Colchagua Valley)

This is fast becoming Montes’ signature wine. In only its second vintage, this 100% Syrah from the highest reaches of the Apalta vineyard is lush, refined and exciting. The nose offers a delicate amalgam of cherry, mustard seed, chocolate and horseradish notes. And while it’s huge and extracted, it toes the line of…  — M.S.   Published 3/1/2004

Montes 2004 Late Harvest Botrytised Gewürztraminer-Riesling (Curicó Valley)

A spectacular dessert wine from South America; probably the best we’ve had to date. Amber in color, with intoxicating aromas of baked pineapple and orange liqueur. Caramel, toffee, burnt vanilla and more cruise on the palate, all pushed by perky acidity. Sensational flavor and balance. A hidden gem among the world’s…  — M.S.   Published 5/1/2006

Montes 2003 Folly Syrah (Colchagua Valley)

Super dark; almost black like night. This is big-boned New World Syrah from the Apalta Vineyard, and the aromas of violets and cherry are appealing. Big in the mouth, with bracing acidity and a lot of spare tannin. Very chewy and ripe, with vivid fruit. You won’t find other wines like this; it’s one of a kind…  — M.S.   Published 3/1/2006

Montes 2004 Alpha M Red (Colchagua Valley)

A world-class wine from Chile? It has been for almost a decade, but now that it’s pushing $100 we are looking at it quite critically. In 2004 the wine shows strong oak and some sweet creaminess, and in the mouth it’s loaded with black plum and blackberry pie flavors. Finishes layered and deep, with chocolate and mocha.  — M.S.   Published 9/1/2007

Montes 2006 Alpha M Red (Santa Cruz)

Opens with a sublime bouquet of tobacco, perfume and baked cherry that conveys a sense of elegance. The palate is saturated and full, with integrated tannins and flavors of molasses, licorice and prime black fruits. This is probably a denser, slightly more ripe version of “M” than in past years, evidenced by the…  — M.S.   Published 7/1/2009

Montes 2006 Purple Angel Carmenère (Colchagua Valley)

The nose of black olive, grilled beef and black fruit is made elegant via a floral perfume, and overall this big-boned Carmenère is beautifully balanced and loaded with cola, blackberry, licorice and chocolate. Dark as night on the finish, and ageable for a few years.  — M.S.   Published 9/1/2009