Montes Alpha, Syrah 2013, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Tasting Note: While Australia may currently be the New World darling when it comes to syrah, don’t discount South American producers like Montes that are giving Down Under producers a run for their money.

Experience the rise of Chilean syrah.

Deep purple-to-ruby in color this wine has an aromatic nose of blackberry, black currant, dried oak, tobacco, tar, bacon fat and white pepper along with vanilla and clove baking spice.

On the palate the wine is full bodied with medium-plus acidity and tannin that chimes in on the attack followed by additional flavors of fresh and dried red cherry that continue through to a tart finish that refreshes the palate making the wine feel lighter in body at the end of the taste than at the beginning.

Bottle Note: Montes Alpha wines have been crafted using grapes selected from our vineyards in the Colchagua Valley, which are irrigated under our sustainable dry farming regime. Developed by Aurelio Montes and his team after years of research and investigation, this viticultural practice now allows us to determine the exact level of irrigation required by vines after the winter rains, resulting in a 65% decrease in our water footprint and in wines with enhanced fruitiness and aromatic expression. Intense purplish-red with a fruity nose marked by ripe black fruit such as blackberries, plums, and blueberries complemented by notes of black pepper, dry-cured ham, and a subtle floral touch. 12 months in French oak barrels lend complexity and toasted aromas that pair very well with the fruity characteristics of the syrah. The intense, silky palate has a great structure and excellent tannins that intermingle harmoniously with ripe black fruit, toffee and coffee notes. Long, pleasing finish.

This wine was submitted for review.