Montes Alpha Range, Merlot, 2007

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.

Handsome ruby-red colour. Outstanding fruit, with a noseful of red berries, black cherry, black pepper, hints of tobacco. These elements come through on the palate, revealing a full-bodied wine. In mid palate is round and velvety with an added touch of vanilla and toast, followed by a long and smooth finish. Very, very elegant. WINE SPECTATOR selected it as both TOP-SCORING Merlots around the world and also one of the Best Values in Merlot.