Montes Classic Series, Malbec, 2010

MONTES – Aurelio Montes, Douglas Murray

Two partners with great illusions, Aurelio Montes and Douglas Murray, both holding long-standing experience in the wine industry, were certain Chile could improve on the quality it was producing at the time. It seemed as if the large and medium-scale vineyards were satisfied with limiting their distribution to local supermarkets. They certainly knew how to produce premium wines, but didn’t feel up to it, they were satisfied with the niche markets they had attained, which was certainly broad, although small. In 1988, another two original partners joined in, Alfredo Vidaurre and Pedro Grand, each providing their qualified, complimentary views, and thus, Viña Montes was formally born, initially under the name Discover Wine Ltd., a saga that has made Chile internationally known in 100+ countries worldwide while providing extensive recognition and acclaim.

Ruby red colour, leaning to very dark, intense red. Powerful but elegant flavours, with plumy and blackberry hints. A wonderful butterscotch and slight spicyness is totally integrated by the subtle notes of vanilla that comes from the oak ageing. A full-bodied wine, with ripe tannins and voluptuous mid-palate and a long, very enjoyable, finish.