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| Country: | Chile |
| Region: | Colchagua Valley |
| Winery: | Montes |
| Grape Type: | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Organic: | Yes |
| Vintage: | 2019 |
| Bottle Size: | 750 ml |
Montes Alpha M 2019 is made from 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot.
Montes Alpha M is the result of an extremely limited production and a rigorous selection of the grapes, one by one, led by Aurelio Montes. Coming from the Colchagua Valley, it is one of the best and most awarded wines of Chile. The vineyards that give rise to Montes Alpha M are located in the Apalta zone of the Colchagua Valley. The soils are of granitic origin and are shallow in the upper, mountainous sectors. They vary in the clay content, depth, amount of organic matter, and especially the types of rocks and stones they are made up of. The soils origin can also range from fluvial to glacial, which shows the great diversity of soils in our vineyards. Some zones are influenced by the Tinguiririca River and others by mudslides and the detachment of material from high above in the mountain chain that delimits the valley.
Review:
Deep nose, but really fresh at the same time. Currants, blackberries and chili-pepper chocolate with cedary and meaty undertones. This is really juicy, with a tight, tensely framed palate, underscored by lots of creamy, dusty tannins. A lengthy, refined and elegant expression of cabernet sauvignon, but a strong statement from Colchagua. Drink or hold.
-James Suckling 97 Points
In 1987, two visionaries, Aurelio Montes and Douglas Murray, began their journey backed with their extensive experience in the world of wine. Their vision entailed producing wines of a quality far superior to the one that was being produced in Chile at that time. In 1988, Montes and Murray added 2 additional partners, Alfredo Vidaurre and Pedro Grand, to help them in their new endeavor. With each of the 4 partners making their own special and complementary contribution, Viña Montes was born. What began as a dream has now become a dream come true for these four great visionaries, who have managed to build Montes into a global symbol of outstanding quality for the wines of Chile. Montes wines are now distributed in over a hundred countries, and have been recognized for their extraordinary and permanent quality. At the same time, the wines continue to attract the attention for wine consumers everywhere looking to understand and appreciate Chilean wines.
After their first release, Montes continued to reach for higher quality, recognition, and focus. WIth the release of Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon, Montes became the first winery to create a truly world-class premium wine the world could appreciate. Concentrated, complex and serious, Montes Alpha established that Montes had chosen the right path and would be a force to be reckoned with on the world stage. With the release of Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon, the wines of Chile were now being acknowledged by wine lovers globally.
Continuing with the obsession of creating better wines, Montes was a pioneer in betting on the Apalta Valley and planting vineyards on mountain slopes. The next wine to gain Montes notoriety was the 1996 inaugural release of Montes Alpha M, a classic Bordeaux blend that has become one of Chile’s most awarded wines. But Aurelio Montes did not stop innovating there. In his ongoing quest of elevating quality, Aurelio Montes was the first to plant Syrah in the Colchagua Valley. The resulting wine, Montes Folly, released with the 2000 vintage showcased Montes’ hillside Syrah vineyards in all their glory to outstanding critical acclaim.
Finally, the first premium Carmenère from Chile, Purple Angel, was launched in May 2005. Again, the wines were lauded with praise and critical acclaim from the wine press and loyal fans of Montes’ wines alike. Besides outstanding quality wines and innovative winegrowing and winemaking practices, Montes has grown its presence internationally without foreign investment or consulting winemakers, making Montes a truly Chilean success story.
Saint Pierre Saint Julien is made from 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot.
Chateau Saint-Pierre Saint-Julien 4th Grand Cru Classé boasts a rich and brilliant purple color, a complex aromatic expression marked by beautiful ripe fruits combined with soft spices, chocolate and licorice nuances. Well-balanced and a good texture, the palate is round and subtle, supported by velvety tannins that enhance the elegant and pure character of this Saint Julien.
Review:
"Very pretty and typical for the appellation with aromas of blackcurrants, violets and sandalwood that follow through to a full body with layers of polished tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Lasts a long time on the palate. Classic structure. Drink after 2027."
- James Suckling (January 2022), 96 pts
Holocene Memorialis Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Holocene Pinot Noir Memorialis is a blend of 777, Pommard and 115 clones from MonksGate vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, and it saw about 20% new French oak for 16 months prior to bottling. It is always the lighter and more feminine of the two Holocene wines, with red fruits, white flowers, dried herbs, mushroom and forest floor aromatics, bright acidity and a lithe texture, long finish.
By now, everyone knows that the Willamette Valley is an amazing place to grow Pinot Noir. When I relocated from Napa Valley to partner up with Force Majeure Vineyards, I knew I also wanted to start a project where I could focus attention on a varietal and growing region that I loved. Part of the excitement of being in the Pacific Northwest is the ability to have access to so many amazing vineyards and so much diversity, along with the opportunity to push boundaries and try new things – something that is becoming increasingly difficult in other growing regions.
We partner up with a few very small, diverse and amazing vineyards in the Willamette Valley, sourcing fruit from these dry-farmed sites that emphasize low yields, sustainable practices and produce outstanding fruit.
The wines are crafted in the same way I have been making wine since I was carrying it out at Bryant Family Vineyard in the Napa Valley — utilizing very low-impact, non-industrial techniques, native yeasts, little extraction and little new oak, and never filtering or fining. This allows a real sense of place to show through in the wines that is often dimmed when too much manipulation is undertaken.
Our first vintage was 2015, and was released in early 2017. As production is currently extremely small, the best way to get the wines into your hands is to join our mailing list at the “Mailing List” link above to receive an allocation when we have a release. We release wines once per year, and they will be sold on a first come, first served basis, shipped straight to your door.
Review:
"A Bing cherry aroma slinks its way up from the glass, followed by spicy whispers of cardamom and cinnamon. Straw and chalkboard dust scents seal the deal. After a tannic black tea note materializes on the palate, the wine's cranberry and raspberry flavors punch the tart button. You can feel the tannins, but they aren't grippy. The acidity, however, lets you know it is ready for juicy business. Memorialis is quietly becoming one of Oregon's best Pinot Noirs. — Michael ALBERTYS"
- - Wine Enthusiast (October 1st 2025), 98 pts & Editor's Choice
Boroli Cerequio is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo.
The Boroli family is a family of entrepreneurs, with roots in Piedmont dating back to 1831. The family started their winemaking business in1997, when Silvano and Elena Boroli felt an ardent desire to step away from the pressures of their publishing business and reconnect to nature. Silvano and Elena grew the company until their son, Achille, stepped in to run the wine-growing and production business in 2012.
With the 2012 grape harvest Achille decided to radically change the methods used in vineyards and wineries, aiming for the highest quality in Barolo and its crus. He cut production levels, updated the winemaking technology, and focused on low intervention methods to raise the quality of the Boroli wines be on par with the finest Barolo wines.
About the Vineyard
The Cerequio cru lies just across the valley from the Boroli winery in the commune of La Morra and is considered one of the most prestigious sites in the Barolo DOCG zone. It is known to produce Nebbiolo wine of enormous elegance and finesse.
Wine Production
Cerequio is distinguished by a careful selection of grapes, precise destemming, and a long maceration with submerged cap.
Tasting Notes
A clear bright ruby color with very light garnet red reflections; intense and persistent aroma of red fruit with notes of plum and cherry. A pleasant aroma of wood is noticeable after the fruity aroma, anticipating the full taste of a great wine suitable for long lasting life. A succulent, rich, full-bodied and pleasant taste emerges after the woody one, with the presence of slightly ripe red fruit.
Food Pairing
Thanks to its viscosity and body, Barolo is the ideal wine to pair with elaborate dishes and dishes like truffle dishes, meat dishes, pasta with porcini mushrooms, game, and aged cheeses. Cerequio is also perfect with dry pastries or chocolate.
Review:
Precise and essential, it displays notes of lavender, hibiscus, violet, white pepper, lime, jasmine flowers, and elderberry. Medium body, perfectly ripe, fine-grained tannins, and a juicy finish that displays smoothness and relaxation. Beautiful right away, it will only improve from 2024 onwards. One of the best Barolos tasted in the 2019 vintage.
-WineCritics.com 96 Points
Sojourn Pinot Noir Walala Vineyard is 100% Pinot Noir.
This Walala Vineyard resides at 1,200-feet elevation just miles from the ocean in the northern Sonoma Coast. Cool coastal breezes and thick fog helped the grapes mature evenly through the September heat wave.
2022 was a drought vintage that offered only miniscule yields, with small clusters and tiny berries. Sojourn were only able to produce a small quantity of this exceptional Pinot Noir. It offers layers of red fruit aromas with tropical notes.
Review:
"With just 5% whole cluster to give it a touch of added structure and weight, the Walala Pinot Noir from Sojourn is aged in 50% new French oak. Displaying a ruby-red core with a light pink rim in the glass, it boasts pleasant aromas of red and black cherries, marionberries, wet-turned earth, crushed pink peppercorn, dusty flower petals, and sweet baking spices. Tannins are present but sweet and rounded and pair perfectly with the lush acidity that sweeps across the palate. Another winner from winemaker, Randy Bennett, is highly recommended."
- Jeremy Yount, International Wine Review 96 points
Ancien Pinot Noir Russian River Jouissance is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Jouissance is sourced from the single vineyard established and farmed by Mark Lingenfelder at his home estate. Mark’s decades of experience as a vineyard manager and consulting viticulturalist have provided him the depth of experience to reach the pinnacle at his own property. Having worked with storied wineries over the years, we are grateful our paths have crossed enabling us to work with him for our Russian River designate. He tends the vines himself while relying on neighbor Lee Martinelli to provide additional help at the peak times. We work with a mix of Pommard and Dijon 667 vines from his oldest and youngest blocks – aged wisdom combines with youthful vigor!
The 2021 growing season was a welcome success after a more varied and challenging 2020. The vines came on with aplomb, demonstrating the rich fruit concentration we expect – even if the crop was meager. The ongoing drought in California served to further accentuate the character and concentration of the fruit. While warmer conditions have prevailed in other areas, the coastal areas of California continue to benefit from the maritime influence and moderating influence that it brings.
We fermented in our one ton, open-top tanks after filling by gravity. A warm fermentation with a combination of native and isolated Burgundian yeasts produced excellent and focused flavor extraction, complemented with traditional punch-downs by hand. The wine was aged entirely in Francois Freres cooperage, 40% new, and racked once, gently, prior to bottling. Grapes, must, and wines were moved using gravity through to the barrel and using inert gas through racking and bottling. 151 cases produced.
Bright fruit notes dominate the aromas with bright cherry, plum, and boysenberry underlaid by allspice and clove. On the palate the wine is liquid velvet, it’s silkiness segueing into a burst of fruit and spice that rides high on the palate while gradually opening to deeper berry, tea, and baking spices. It is a refreshing and lively Pinot Noir in its youth that will continue to fill out in depth and complexity over the next 2-5 years.
Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Deep garnet in color with an aromatic medley of black cherry, marionberry, ripe plum and a hint of anise. Dark fruit on the palate with flavors of wild berries, caramelized oak and cacao nibs complemented by subtle notes of vanilla, cedar and a hint of lavender and forest floor. Rich and unrestrained, this wine’s abundant fruit is beautifully balanced by firm acidity and layers of red and black fruit.
Review:
Deep and dark aromas of black cherry, sandalwood and incense make for a heady nose on this bottling. The palate is big and bold, loaded with ripe black cherry and boysenberry flavors, as peppery, incense-like spices add complexity and the texture stays lusciously creamy.
-Wine Enthusiast 93 Points
Louis Jadot Montrachet Grand Cru is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Le Montrachet is situated to the south of the Côte de Beaune, on both villages of Puligny Montrachet and Chassagne Montrachet (like the Batard Montrachet Grand Cru).
The terroir is extremely chalky with a lot of stones, perfectly drained and easy to overheat with south-south-eastern exposition.
The Montrachet is produced with Chardonnay
Grapes are harvested by hand and put in small cases in order not to damage the fruits. Grapes are pressed softly, they ferment in oak barrels produced by our cooperage. 1/3 are new barrels. Aging usually lasts 15 months on fine lies before bottling.
Review:
Aromas of buttered toast, honeyed peaches, white flowers and mint introduce the 2019 Montrachet Grand Cru (Maison Louis Jadot), a full-bodied, layered and enveloping wine that's satiny and sumptuous, with lively acids and fine depth at the core. While I'd give the nod to the stunning Demoiselles as Jadot's best white wine this year, this Montrachet—purchased from the Chassagne-Montrachet side, from the house's usual source—is undeniably promising.
-Wine Advocate 94-96 Points
The Grade Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard is made from Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
“This wine expresses a focused balancing act of dark, rich black fruit, and a fine tannin structure, illuminated through the core with a laser-like acidity. The wine displays a deep purple-red hue with a cranberry halo. Aromas of cassis, cinnamon, citrus oil, roasted meat, and lilac swell from the glass.
“The palate is marked by a wave of jet-black brambly fruit up front, followed by an exotic spice mid-palate and a long, complex finish that lasts and lasts expressing notes of flowering jasmine, and oolong tea. The silky tannins hold everything together and will certainly allow this wine to evolve in the cellar for at least 7-10 years.” - Thomas River Brown
Review:
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Winfield Vineyard is a blend taken from three blocks in the vineyard. A potent, layered Cabernet, the Winfield is super-expressive today. Dark red cherry, licorice, incense and savory herbs all flesh out in a potent, resonant Calistoga Cabernet that hits all the right notes. This is impressive, to say the least.
-- Antonio Galloni 95 Points
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot is made from 82% merlot, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 3% petit verdot.
Michel Rolland, Pomerol vintner and consultant to many of the world's top wineries, teamed with Washington State wine visionary Allen Shoup to produce this limited release wine.
With its intense color and inviting aromas of dark berries, licorice, baking spice and a hint of smoke, the Pedestal is a bold wine that leaves a lasting impression. Dark fruit flavors integrated with sweetness from the barrel and richness from the tannins come together seamlessly, lingering across a structured mid-palate and lengthy finish.
Winemaking: Hand-harvested grapes were double-sorted to remove green material that might impart harsh tannins, then most of the lots were cold soaked to build richness and flavor before undergoing whole-berry fermentation in 55L upright French wood tanks. This, combined with gentle pump-overs throughout fermentation, enhanced the wine’s color, texture and mouthfeel. The finished wine was aged 22 months in 85% new French oak barrels.
Review:
"The 2019 Pedestal Merlot was made with 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec. The nose opens with a firm backbone of fresh and ripe black plums and dark cherries before delightful oaky essences sway from the glass with notions of baked earth. Full-bodied, the palate offers a firm mouthfeel that lifts with time to reveal a succulent tannic edge and juicy flavors of spiced plums and blackberry skin with brown baking spices, vanilla and nutmeg that resonate with vibrancy and power. The wine continues to evolve and reveal elegant complexities before ending with a long spicy finish with delightful oak tones. Just under 32,000 bottles were filled after the wine rested for 22 months in all French oak, 86% new barrels. - Anthony MUELLER"
- Wine Advocate (May 11th 2023), 94 pts
Luis Canas Reserva Seleccion de la Familia Rioja is made from 85% Tempranillo and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aged for 20 months in new oak barrels - 50% French 50% American.
45 years old vines
Alcohol: 14,5º
Total acidity: 5,73 g./l.
Volatile acidity: 0,73 g./l.
PH: 3,53
Free SO2: 28 mg./l.
Reducing sugars: 1,3 g./l.
The “family reserve” from one of Rioja Alavesa’s most enduring family-run wineries. Wines destined to be the Reserva de la Familia label are made from a selection of grapes from old vines, those which combine a series of characteristics such as good orientation and exposure to the sun, and a poor soil which ensures low yields.
This wine is one of very few Rioja wines to blend Cabernet Sauvignon with Tempranillo. Bodegas Luis Cañas was granted permission by the D.O.Ca. to plant this variety as an experiment in the early 1980s.
Tasting notes
A brilliant garnet color with cherry hints on the edges.
The nose offers a complex variety of aromas that combine to bring an intense and sophisticated wine. Initially we can find very ripe berry fruits, smoky notes, raisins and liquor. After a certain amount of aeration, the cinnamon and jam notes appear and, with a little more time, the roasted and spiced aromas are noticed more clearly.
The palate is full, with a good presence of tannins, although these are offset by the glycerine like character, resulting in a fleshy sensation. Long lasting and lingering finish.
Winemaking and aging:
The grapes were cold macerated for 72 hours upon arrival at the winery. They underwent fermentation at 26º C in sealed cement tanks under constant thermal control, with the must pumped over daily. With the paste devatted by gravity, spontaneous malolactic fermentation took place after 45 days.
The wine was aged for 20 months in 50% medium toasted American and 50% French oak barrels. The barrel ageing not only adds tannins from the wood, but stabilizes the wine naturally. After the final racking, it was clarified in tanks with a small amount of natural egg white, decanted after 30 days and bottled directly without any type of filtration. Because this wine’s evolutionary cycle is quite slow, only corks of the highest quality available were used to ensure that it could be prolonged for several years.
Review:
Including 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Tempranillo-dominated 2019 Rioja Reserva Selección de la Familia is a crème de la crème selection that was aged 20 months in oak. Its deep purple hue is followed by a sensational nose of ripe black and blue fruits, cedarwood, graphite, smoked tobacco, and chocolate. This carries to a full-bodied Rioja with a powerful, layered mouthfeel, ripe yet building tannins, and serious length on the finish.
-Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points
My Favorite Neighbor Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 6% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah, 3% Petit Verdot.
A homage to Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure Winery became an obsession. Sourced from exceptional vineyard sites around Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo and south to Edna Valley, this wine is cultivated meticulously by the farmers who have become My Favorite Neighbors. With their dedication to the land, we are able to craft a world class wine without any shortcuts or compromises. Welcome to our Neighborhood.
The 2022 My Favorite Neighbor is everything you’ve come to expect from our flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from our favorite Paso Robles growers who lend their neighborly spirit to the wine. Effusive aromas of raspberry and currant reveal notes of blue fruit and purple flower. On the palate, juicy red fruits are interwoven with hints of black cherry, cinnamon and toasted oak. Structured tannins carry into a long, chewy finish. Whether it’s a casual backyard barbecue or a fine celebratory meal, this versatile wine has you covered for summer and beyond.
Patricia Raquin Nuits St. Georges les Vaucrains is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
"Vaucrains" comes from old French word meaning place with very little fertility (which is very good terroir for grape production)
Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC: AOC wines since 1936, 757 acres of grapes, 97 % red wine, 3 % white wine. Nuits refers to “walnuts in the area, not night”….41 Premier Cru vineyards
Tasting Notes: Powerfull aromas with lots red wild fruits, full bodied wine with great aging potential.
VINEYARD: Gravel and Silt
HARVEST: Harvest by hand.
VINIFICATION: Harvest by hand. Traditional vinification in thermoregulated stainless steel. Pre-fermentation – temperature controlled cold maceration during 10 days. Long fermentation during which pigeages and pumping over are performed. Post-fermentation - maceration at 30°C for 5 days.
AGEING: Aged in new French oak barrels for 16 months.
Roast lamb - Rib steaks - duck
Le Jade Picpoul de Pinet is made from 100% Picpoul de Pinet
Pale straw color. Delicate white flower, citrus and juicy pear aromas. Fresh, crisp, and bright acidity with mineral and saline accents. Well-balanced and easy-drinking.
A refreshing treat laced up with snappy food-friendly acidity.
Picpoul Le Jade makes a classic match with oysters on the half shell and goes very well with exotic food in general. Picpoul means lip-smacking good.
SOIL : Clay and limestone soil just a few kilometres from the reputed Etang de Thau (salted water lagoon) overlooking the Mediterranean town of Sète.
VINIFICATION : Grapes are harvested at 12°- 13° maturity
Skin maceration for several hours
Selection of drained juice after undergoing pneumatic pressure.
Cold double decantation.
Thermoregulated fermentation at 16°C
No malolactic fermentation.