Montes Classic Series Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Apalta and El Arcángel del Marchigüe vineyards in the Colchagua Valley. A bright violet-red color, it has aromas of strawberries, plums and figs, along with notes of sweet spices including nutmeg and black pepper.

90 Points
jamessuckling.com
2018 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2018 winter was judged as excellent in terms of much-needed rainfall, with more than 500 mm falling in the Colchagua Valley, making it one of the rainiest years of the last decade. Montes was able to accumulate a large quantity of water in the soil and reservoirs, providing for the optimal development of the vines at all phenological stages up to harvest. There were a few isolated spots of frost in the spring, but without significant impact on our red varieties. The temperatures remained cool until the middle of November, which meant a delay of a few weeks to budbreak and flowering. The summer had moderate temperatures, with an average high of 28ºC in January. February saw a clear drop in nighttime temperatures, which caused a general slowdown in the ripening of red and white varieties, in some cases of up to 14 days when compared with 2016. There was no rain during the harvest months, and the Cabernet Sauvignon harvested for this wine was in excellent health, with good measurements of ripeness leading to excellent expression during fermentation.
Tasting Note
Ruby-red in colour, with violet at the rim. The nose is generous; red and black fruit aromas are perfectly balanced with smooth notes of spice. Aromas are strawberry, cassis, nutmeg and cinnamon, with vanilla, and mocha from the wine’s time in French oak, which also lends a sensation of sweetness on the midpalate. In the mouth it’s balanced, with smooth tannins and rich, fresh acidity that makes the wine juicy. The finish has medium fruit in line with the aromas perceived on the nose.
Food Pairing
Highly recommended with braised beef with french fries, steak and eggs, paella, cannelloni, and lasagna.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 85% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 15% Merlot
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
PH: 3.61
ACIDITY: 3.26 g/L
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 45% of the wine was aged for 8 months in French oak barrels
Unique Selling Points
  • Represents the outstanding value Chile can offer for everyday drinking.
  • Grapes are handpicked and transported to the winery with the utmost care.
  • 45% aged in 2nd and 3rd-use French oak barrels for 8 months.
  • Well-balanced acidity, medium body, and incredibly smooth tannins.
  • Vineyards located in Apalta and Marchigüe, Colchagua Valley.

About the Grape

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is adaptable to various growing conditions, and is known for its low yield and late ripeness. It generally produces full-bodied wines with substantial acidity and tannins.
Merlot
Merlot makes plump, succulent wines to drink young or opulently massive wines for aging. Has silky, blackberry and currant fruit, with spice, earth, tobacco and chocolate notes, and soft tannins.
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