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Montes Wines

The roots of Viña Montes began in 1987, when two experienced wine industry professionals, Aurelio Montes and Douglas Murray, joined forces. But it wasn’t until 1988 that Viña Montes was officially born—when two additional partners, Alfredo Vidaurre and Pedro Grand, joined the project. Today, Viña Montes exports its products more than 75 countries in 5 continents. Montes’s portfolio consists of wines from various price points, ranging from the value-driven Montes Classic series to its top-shelf reds, such as Montes M, Folly and Purple Angel. The dominant varietals used in production are Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Syrah, with other Bordeaux varietals filling out many of the blends. Our Viña Montes reviews also show that the winery’s Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are gaining recognition for the value the wines provide. For more information on these wines, be sure to check out our Viña Montes Buying Guide.

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Montes 2006 Folly Syrah (Santa Cruz)

Price $95

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 even at 15% alcohol it’s harmonious. A real winner;… — M.S. (7/1/2009)

Montes 2006 Purple Angel Carmenère (Colchagua Valley)

Price $71

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. (9/1/2009)

Montes 2004 Alpha M Red (Colchagua Valley)

Price $93

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. (9/1/2007)

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. Imported by T.G.I.C. Importers. — M.S. (3/1/2006)

Montes 2001 Folly Syrah (Colchagua Valley)

Price $70

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 balance. On the palate, lovely blackberry… — M.S. (3/1/2004)

Montes 2006 Alpha M Red (Santa Cruz)

Price $95

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 licorice, sweetness and coffee on the chewy finish… — M.S. (7/1/2009)

Montes 2007 Purple Angel Carmenère (Colchagua Valley)

Price $72

A classic high-end Carmenère, with enticingly rich, chocolaty, herbal aromas. The palate is lush but balanced, with a generous texture, smooth tannins and plenty of depth. Saturated in flavor, with blackberry, herbal notes, chocolate, spiced meat and more. Drink now through 2012. — W.E. (5/1/2011)

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

Price $24

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 best sweeties. Imported by T.G.I.C. Importers. — M.S. (5/1/2006)

Most Reviewed Varietals [All]

Bordeaux-style Red Blend Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Gewürztraminer Malbec Merlot Other Red Pinot Noir Red Blend Rosé Sauvignon Blanc Shiraz/Syrah White Blend

Most Reviewed Regions

Santa Cruz County

2008 Rodney Strong Reserve

Here’s a fruity, soft, flamboyant Cabernet, packed with plum, blackberry…

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