From Montes Alpha's 'La Finca' Estate, in the Apalta Valley. They included it in their ALPHA range because they believe its present merits and future potential so recommended. The scarcest of their ALPHA line, it shows how promising the Apalta Valley slopes are. Yield is very low, only 6 tons per hectare. It has been aged in French oak barrels for one year and had only one soft filtering. In the purest of Rhône styles, Aurelio has added a percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, also originating from Apalta, and some Viognier to the final mixture. Of intense ruby red color, it has a great aroma with floral, tobacco and leathery notes. Strong and full bodied to the palate, with soft and mature tannins. A very long, elegant and satisfying after taste. A superb Syrah. Reviews: "This is ripe and concentrated yet polished and refined, with layers of dark cherry, blackberry and briar caressed by suave toast, vanilla and mineral notes. Long and fleshy through the finish, which shows solid grip. Contains 7 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 3 percent Viognier." -Rated 92, Wine Spectator "The 2005 Alpha Syrah delivers a stylish bouquet of earth, leather, meat, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied Syrah with excellent depth and concentration. It should evolve for 2-3 years and drink well through 2017. Over recent years, Montes has been one of the standard-bearers of quality wines from Chile under the leadership of Aurelio Montes." -Rated 89, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate "Montes Alpha always ranks as one of Chile’s most honest Syrahs. It starts out big, bruising and foward before transitioning to something more spicy, leathery and complex. It is always a bold wine, but with finishing accents of espresso and crude oil, it takes on a special, proprietary darkness that is eminently likable. — M.S. (11/15/2007) " -Rated 90, Wine Enthusiast |
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