Montes Alpha M Vertikale 2012-2014

Montes Alpha M 2012

Parker: The concentrated and ripe 2012 Alpha M is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with some 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% each Merlot and Petit Verdot; it matured in French barriques for 18 months, which seems to be the standard in this price range. The minty Cabernet notes are there, with some bright blue fruit, Mediterranean herbs and plenty of sweet spices from the élevage. The palate is full-bodied with soft, round tannins, velvety, balanced and easy to drink; but not really exciting, quite predictable. 91/100

Montes Alpha M 2013

Parker: The 2013 Alpha M is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot from vines planted on granite slopes in Apalta in Colchagua in the early 1990s. It fermented after a one-week cold soak and matured in new French oak barrels for 18 months. It has very good freshness and elegance, with good natural acidity and nicely integrated oak in the shape of spices and just a smoky twist. There is bright fruit here, fine-grained tannins and a refreshing sensation. 92/100

Montes Alpha M 2014

Parker: The showy and perfumed 2014 Alpha M is unmistakably from Chile, with those balsamic, minty and floral aromas so unlike Bordeaux, even if it's a Cabernet-based blend with 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% each Merlot and Petit Verdot. These wines routinely reach 15% alcohol, retain three or more grams of residual sugar and are aged in new oak barrels for 18 months. Ripe, big, round, lush and oaky, for fans of the style. I tend to find it increasingly more difficult to drink wines like this with food. 91/100