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| May 2009 |
| Decanter Magazine, U.K., May 2009 |
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| Five stars to Montes Folly 2006 |
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In the last Decanter Chilean Syrah panel, our Montes Folly 2006 has been selected as one of the three outstanding Decanter Award Winners, with 5 stars. With 110 wines tasted, Decanter said it was one of the best tastings they had done and the panel made very good comments about the quality. “A spectacularly successful tasting left our panel in a state of high excitment about the future of what they feel is now Chile’s top red variety” said the report of Guy Woodward.
Montes Folly 2006, Colchagua Valley, £39.99. “Slightly subdued nose, but showing plum/chocolate. Good concentration. On the verge of overextraction, but great flavour and some elegance. Slightly sweet, oaky finish. From 2010.” (JA) Stockists: Bon, Evy, Hed, STW |
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| May 2009 |
| On: LifeStyle magazine, U.K., Issue N° 9, April/May 2009 |
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| A serious and fun Rosé |
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By Paul Howard
“The vibrant scarlet colour is very deep for a rosé, the nose showing redcurrant and raspberry touches and a floral quality. Zippy, mouth watering acidity gives way to sweet ripe red berry fruit, a touch of tart strawberry and a little Syrah pepper. With no oak to get in the way, the flavours are cristal clear before the nice dry finish. Unusually, a little tannin lends some backbone and the level of alcohol makes it as smooth as a cherub’s bum. A rosé with serious intent then, but one that retains a fun element too. Bigger than any rosé’s, this has enough weight and structure to make good drinking over the next couple of years and will appeal to both white and red wine drinkers. It requires only light chilling and makes a great apéritif or a fine partner for charcuterie.” Hoults, Huddersfield, £8.99 |
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| May 2009 |
| Wine Spectator, U.S.A., May 31, 2009 |
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| Two of our best wines received 94 Points from Wine Spectator |
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94 Points: Montes Alpha M 2006. “Very suave, with a velvety texture and fine-grained tannins that carry deceptively concentrated notes of black currant, warm fig sauce, espresso, maduro tobacco and black tea. Long and well-defined through the finish, with an ample reserve of fruit and minerality. Drink now through 2015. 9,400 cases made. Release Price: $95 – JM.”
94 Points: Montes Folly 2006. “Rich and lush, but with superb poise, this offers a huge core of crushed plum, raspberry ganache and macerated currant fruit that easily absorbs its dark, coffee-tinged toast and muscular, loamy undertow. The finish is powerful, but well-knit. Should age nicely. Syrah. Best from 2010 through 2014. 8,200 cases made. Release Price: $95 – JM.” |
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| March 2009 |
| Decanter Magazine, U.S.A., April 09, 2009 Issue |
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Our Pinot Noir is selected by Decanter
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Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2007, from Leyda Valley, has been selected as one of “the best affordable wines to snap up and drink now” by Decanter magazine. According to the magazine: “Leyda is located within San Antonio and is better known as the home of very good Sauvignon Blancs. However, its Pinots are also on the rise, as shown by this lively, pure, elegantly structured wine, boasting red cherry fruit, touches of spice and a nice earthiness on the finish. Now-2012.” |
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| March 2009 |
| Wine & Spirits, U.S.A., April 2009 Issue |
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| Montes Alpha is the most popular |
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Montes Alpha has been selected as most popular Chilean wine in US Restaurants in the 2009 Wine and Spirits Magazine Annual Restaurant Poll. To produce the ranking US Restaurateurs listed their ten top-selling wines in order of popularity. Wine & Spirits Magazine then sorted the results by variety and country of origin. The New World wine list features Montes at the #1 spot for Chile with our Montes Alpha Chardonnay and Montes Alpha Merlot as most popular wines. "People are aware now that the best values are coming out of South America", says Nicolas Finelli at Yangming in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. "The value-to-quality ratio is there."
This is the fourth time Montes has been selected as favorite wine from Chile. Thank you for your preference! |
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| January 2009 |
| Wines of Chile |
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| Aurelio Montes picks up “Personality of the Year” at Wines of Chile Innovations Awards |
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Pioneering Chilean winemaker Aurelio Montes, Sr. has picked up the prestigious award for the “Personality of the Year” at the recent Wines of Chile Innovations Awards 2008. The results, announced in Santiago last week at the Annual Wines of Chile Awards, were decided by a high profile panel of UK judges including Matt Pym, Jo Ahearne MW, Robert Joseph and Olly Smith.
The judges were looking for Chilean movers and shakers who have taken great steps to promote Chile and its premium wines on the world stage. They considered Aurelio Montes a giant in Chile’s progress to champion top quality, innovation, and image and paid tribute to Aurelio and the team at Montes.
A wholly committed, enthusiastic character with total passion for his work, Aurelio Montes is recognized as one of the quality pioneers, a real visionary winemaker who, together with his expert team, decided it was better to gain recognition through distinctive and quality wines that Chile could be proud of. Not content with stopping at Chile - the ever ambitious Aurelio has recently embarked on projects in the Napa Valley as well as developing their Argentinian brand, Kaiken, on the other side of the Andes. In these two countries, Aurelio has adopted a Feng Shui approach and the careful management of microsites.
Montes’ input and involvement with the enormously successful Montes & Music campaign during 2008 has made him stand out in particular this year as an innovative and dynamic individual who is constantly striving to challenge the boundaries and introduce new ideas and a fresh approach to the marketing and PR of wine. The story was reported in 12 countries and the total reach was in excess of 24 million making headlines in on the BBC News online, as well as in the Daily Telegraph, the Daily Express, The Scotsman and the Daily Mail. This was a great PR opportunity not only for Montes but for Chilean wines in general. Aurelio Montes is a real inspiration to the future generation of Chile. |
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| December 2008 |
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| Gold Medal to Purple Angel in New Zealand |
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Purple Angel 2005 has been awarded a Gold Medal in the 2008 New Zealand International Wine Show, in “Other Reds” category. According to the judges “Carmenère dominates this amazingly approachable voluptuous blend of dark smoky oak, succulent red fruit, tar and spice.”
“With 2273 entries, the 2008 New Zealand International Wine Show is far and away the largest wine competition ever held in this country and is one of the largest wine competitions in the Southern Hemisphere. Following several excellent vintages, a host of top quality wines were entered with the Judging Team, led by Larry McKenna and Peter Cowley. There is excitement in every category and with so many of the top wines being recent releases, wine lovers should be able to source these wines for many months.” |
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| December 2008 |
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| Montes sponsors the most extreme Horse-Endurance worldwide |
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For three years, Montes has maintained a strategic alliance with EnduranceX to show and demonstrate Chile’s wonders by means of sports and sponsoring exclusive world extreme equestrian endurance events. The editions next event sponsored by Montes will be held next January 31, 2009 at Lake Rupanco, in Chile´s southern Lake district.
Montes´ involvement in endurance events include a range of settings, from the mythical Tierra del Fuego Island with its virgin landscapes to the Torres del Paine National Park, one of ten most exotic and unspoiled destinations worldwide, recently including under extreme temperatures and elevations, an event at the Atacama Salt Lake surrounded by the driest desert in the world.
The equestrian enduro we participate in, with the well-being of our horses high on our minds, involves galloping through endless Patagonian virgin lenga forests where only guanacos live on the remote island of Tierra del Fuego or penetrate the sandy dunes of the Atacama desert.
It is thus, that horse-lovers and extreme nature seekers make real-life indelible experiences a true fact. Competing in equestrian endurance events organized by EnduranceX under these circumstances provide long-lasting memories in each daring and challenged adventurer. New destinations are on sight, Easter Island or Chile’s northern saltpeter mines. An extreme experience capturing our origins to the earth, to an animal and to our human force.
For more information, please visit www.endurancex.com |
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| December 2008 |
Food & Wine, U.S.A. |
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| Montes Classic: Spectacular Value Cabernet |
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Our Montes Classic Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 has been selected as one of the “Global Value Cabernets” by Food & Wine. “Big and bold, with purple-black fruit that recalls black plums, this simple but appealing Cabernet comes from vineyards in Chile’s Colchagua Valley. An addition of 15 percent Merlot helps soften the firm tannins. ($13).” |
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| December 2008 |
Wine Spectator Insider, U.S.A. |
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| Wine Spectator selected our Montes Alpha Chardonnay as an outstanding wine from Chile |
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By James Molesworth
Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2006, 90 Points: “A ripe, showy style, with pear, fig and melon notes backed by alluring toast. Lively acidity keeps this honest through the lengthy, butter-tinged finish. Drink now.- J.M.” $26 / 4,950 cases imported. |
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| November 2008 |
Capital Magazine, Chile
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Douglas Murray selected Top Commercial Manager by his peers in the chilean wine industry
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The well-known Chilean magazine Capital and Denarius, a branch of Seminarium Penrhyn International, launched a list of peer selection for the most outstanding executives in their industries for the year 2008.
In the winemaking industry, Douglas Murray, partner at Montes Wines was chosen the most outstanding Commercial Manager. The report affirms: “In the 80s he had the difficult task of uplifting Viña San Pedro which was literally “underground”, a challenge he was able to accomplish on account of his 36 years experience in the world of wines. He ironically refers to the era as having to perform major “airport work-outs” as his time spent travelling as the partner, founder and director responsible for Viña Montes exports, was extensive. Murray’s greatest challenge was forcefully inserting the brand into Asian markets, an experience fit for a paperback. Service, respect and focusing on the customer, in addition to assigning major significance to closely monitoring world markets, always trying to learn first hand the different cultures he visited were all part of his way of dealing with customers. “
The magazine states: “this analysis is a service to professionalism in managing Chilean companies and a fair recognition to their leaders in every industry”.
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| November 2008 |
Robert Parker.com |
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Robert Parker Grants First-Class Points to our Montes Wines
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The renowned Robert Parker has bestowed first-class points to our wines, many surpassing 90 points. In addition, in his article “Chile: Still a Work in Progress“, Parker considers Montes as one of the vineyards that “has figured out how to produce terrific red wines at bargain prices“. He also emphasizes, amongst the top Chilean wines, our Montes Alpha M as one of the world-class Bordeaux-style wines, elegant and for long-term cellaring. Points granted to our Montes wines were as follows:
94 Points: Montes Folly 2005
93 Points: Montes Alpha M 2005
92 Points: Montes Purple Angel 2005
91 Points: Montes Alpha Syrah 2006
90 Points: Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
90 Points: Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2006
90 Points: Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2006
90 Points: Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc, Leyda Vineyard, 2007
89 Points: Montes Alpha Merlot 2006
88 Points: Montes Cherub Rosé of Syrah 2007
86 Points: Montes Classic Series Sauvignon Blanc 2007 |
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| October 2008 |
Wine Spectator Insider, U.S.A. |
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Montes Alpha Syrah, an excellent wine by Wine Spectator
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Insider, a weekly publication of Wine Spectator for members only, is a newsletter that features classic-rated red, white and dessert wines from an eclectic mix of wine regions. This week James Molesworth finds four excellent Syrahs from Chile, and our Montes Alpha Syrah 2006 is one of them. From Colchagua Valley, Apalta Vineyard, 91 points, $28, 7,500 cases imported. “This is richly layered, with ambitiously styled fig, mocha, espresso and bittersweet cocoa, all backed by a lush beam of boysenberry fruit. Fleshy and toasty through the finish, with the dark fruit lingering nicely in the background. Super delicious. Drink now through 2010.—J.M.“ |
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| October-November 2008 |
Wine News, U.S.A. |
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Montes Cherub recived an outstanding score by Wine News
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Wine News magazine selected our Montes Cherub 2007 as one of the best Rosé with 92 points, in the “Global Rosé“ category. According to Wine News: “Feathered garnet hue. Bright black cherry and clove aromas. Rich, elegant and polished with cherry and strawberry fruit. Lengthy, fruit-driven finish with balanced, controlled sweetness. $16.“ |
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| October 2008 |
Forbes.com, U.S.A. |
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Purple Angel 2005 chosen as an Exceptional Wine by Forbes
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Purple Angel 2005, our Carmenère from Colchagua Valley, has been selected as one of the “Twenty Exceptional South American Wines“ by the prestigious Forbes magazine. Also, Aurelio Montes is recognized as one of the quality pioneers, a real visionary winemaker who decided it was better to gain recognition through bottling something distinctive as our Carmenère. Forbes said: “Montes Purple Angel 2005 (Chile, $57)Carménère takes a new dimension," claims the label, and does it ever! From its confectionery vanilla icing, plum blossom and violet aroma to its silky, perfectly weighted palate feel and juicy flavors of ripe plum and blackberry, this is a genuine aristocrat. A flat-out steal." |
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October 2008
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Discover the story of Montes Wines an extraordinary book
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The book “Where Angels Tread“ is the story of the Montes Winery written by the English journalist Jamie Ross with a prologue by Hugh Johnson. From the beginnings, when four visionary and enthusiastic partners conceived and created the Montes Winery, to the worldwide recognition by the winelovers of today in all parts of the world, the story of Montes has had the care and affection of our angels. This book relates previously unpublished details of the trajectory of our winery. Enjoy it!
In the US, available online at Amazon, The Wine Appreciation Guild and Barnes & Noble.
In Chile, the Spanish version available at Antártica online and book stores. |
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September 2008
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Wine Spectator Online
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Montes Wines in Wine Spectator Value Finder
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Our Montes wines have been selected by Wine Spectator Value Finder as one of the best values they´ve tasted in the past year.
Chilean red $30 and under:
Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2005: 89 points; $25; issue: Oct 31, 2007.
“Delivers a juicy beam of graphite, licorice, sweet vanilla and crushed plum flavors, with the graphite edge hanging on the finish. Well done. Drink now through 2008. 45,000 cases made.“
Montes Alpha Merlot 2005: 88 points; $25; issue: Oct 31, 2007
“Good medium-weight mix of plum, briar and sweet vanilla and toast notes, with a juicy finish that fleshes out nicely in the glass. 15 percent Carmenère. Drink now. 30,000 cases made.“
Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2006: 88 points; $25; issue: May 15, 2008
“Elegant and fresh, with a nice mix of red and black cherry fruit intertwined with hints of mocha and mineral. Soft, lingering finish. Drink now. 6,000 cases made.“
Montes Classic Series Malbec 2006: 87 points; $12; issue: Dec 31, 2007
“Ripe and solid, with a juicy core of raspberry and briar flavors, followed by a nice fleshy, mocha-tinged finish. Very tasty. Drink now. 15,000 cases made.“
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August 2008
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Wine News, U.S.A.
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Great scores to our wines from Wine News Magazine
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Best Value Selections: 90 Points, Montes Classic Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Colchagua Valley: “Black garnet hue with a fuchsia rim. Pretty scents of mocha, cherry and pencil shavings. Generous cherry-chocolate flavors with an oak note and a slight chalkiness. Spicy finish accented by notes of clove and black pepper. $12 / 20,000 cases; 10,000 imported.“
92 Points: Montes Purple Angel 2005, Carmenère, Colchagua Valley
“Brooding garnet hue. Fresh mint and evergreen aromas with smoky deli meat accents. Rich and supple with juicy black fruit, toasted oak and graphite flavors with just enough spiciness to tame the lingering sweetness. $55.“
90 Points: Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Colchagua Valley
“Deep purple hue. Black cherry, new oak and cedar chest aromas. Crisp red fruit flavors with peppery tannins and cherry pit astringency. A sound, well-made wine showing its youthful side right now. $28“.
88 Points: Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2006, Leyda Valley
“Purple with a fuchsia rim. Heady clove and menthol aromas with a whiff of green garden scents. An atypical Pinot, however, delivered in typical, well-extracted Montes style. Black cherry and plum fruit laced with smoky oak. Plenty of minerals and black fruit balancing the prominent wood in the finish. $25.“
88 Points: Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2007, Casablanca Valley
“Dense garnet hue with a fuchsia rim. Forward aromas of cooked cherry, charred oak and powdered chocolate. Velvety mouth-feel with a mix of cranberry, cherry and well-integrated, combed tannins. Dry, chalky close with a youthful, cherry-pit astringency. $16.“
88 Points: Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Leyda Valley
“Spritzy, pale silvery hue. Fresh lemon scents with hints of tomato leaf. Green garden flavors with cutting lemon zest acidity. Flinty, dry, crisp close. $16.“
88 Points: Montes Classic Series Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Casablanca-Curicó Valley
“Very pale gold hue. Honeydew and lemon zest aromas with a hint of celery. Fresh lime, ginger and green apple flavors. Crisp finish with lively acids and a lingering, verdant garden flavor. $12.“
Best Value: Wines of exceptional quality which sell at a moderate price.
| 96-100 Points: |
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Superb |
| 90-95 Points: |
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Outstanding |
| 85-89 Points: |
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Very Good |
| 80-84 Points: |
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Good |
| 70-79 Points: |
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Acceptable |
| 0-69 Points: |
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Not Listed |
Link: http://www.thewinenews.com/current/buyline.asp
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August 2008
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Expovina, Zurich, Switzerland
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Grand Gold Medal to Montes Folly in Switzerland
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Our Montes Folly 2004 has been awarded with the “Grand Gold Medal“ (93 Points) in Expovina Wine Competition, the biggest and most important one in Switzerland. Only 16 out of more than 2,000 wines received this award. Moreover, Montes Folly was voted “Best Red Wine of the New World“. Our Montes Alpha M 2005 obtained a Gold Medal (90 Points), and three of our wines received a Silver Medal: Montes Alpha Syrah 2006 (87 Points), Montes Classic Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (87 Points) and Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (86 Points). |
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July 2008
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Business Standar, India
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Montes Alpha Chardonnay was the champion ina a blind tasting led by Steven Spurrier
By Alok Chandra, New Delhi
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Steven Spurrier was in India and re-created his version of the “Judgement of Paris” but he put New World vs. Old World Wines together. It was for the Wine Society of India and the Bangalore Wine Club. Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2005 was the white wine champion!
According to Business Standar web site: “For those who are relatively new to the wine scene: the "Judgement of Paris" refers to a famous blind wine tasting organised in 1976 in (where else) Paris by Steven Spurrier (then a wine merchant and educator based in that city) between the leading Californian and French wines of the day.
Nine French tasters, all eminent personalities in the field of wine, judged between Chardonnays (Chablis and white Burgundys for the French wines) and Cabernet Sauvignons (Bordeaux blends for the French wines). The results were a revelation, as for the first time in an impartial forum it was proven that the best Californian wines were as good as, if not better than, the best French wines.
The only reporter who deigned to attend the tasting (although many had been invited) was George Taber from Time magazine, and some of his reportage makes for hilarious reading: "The wine that one judge said bespoke "the magnificence of France" turned out to be a Napa Cabernet. Similarly, "this is definitely a California. It has no nose" said another judge — after downing a Batard-Montrachet '73".
"When the results were tallied and announced, several of the judges behaved badly, refusing to give up their tasting notes, and one even tried to change his numbers before Spurrier whipped away the score sheets." Time naturally tom-tommed the results; leaders of the French wine industry subsequently banned Steven Spurrier from any prestigious wine tastings.
Steven Spurrier was in Bangalore last week leading a blind tasting of Old World (France and Italy) vs New World (Australia, Chile, South Africa) wines for members of the Wine Society of India and the Bangalore Wine Club, and spoke about how this momentous tasting changed the perception of wines worldwide.
Interestingly enough, a key insight Steven shared was that, while prior to 1976 it was the French who had been "resting on their laurels" — which was why the quality of the Californian wines was such a revelation — in the last two decades the position has been somewhat reversed, with French wines seeing improvement while the best Californian wines have become so expensive as to be "out of sight" to all but a favoured few.
The 112-odd participants were treated to a virtuoso performance by one of the world's leading wine experts; the wines were tasted in pairs, and the ratings were:
Whites: Laroche Chablis 2004 (France) vs Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2005 (Chile). The Montes won hands down, with several people claiming that the Chablis was cooked or corked (Spurrier preferred the Chablis).
Reds 1: Brancaia Tre Rosso Toscana 2005 (Italy) vs Rolf Binder Haliwell Shiraz Grenache 2004 (Australia). While the latter was preferred overall, a significant number liked the Italian super-Tuscan.
Reds 2: Chateau Magdelaine, St Emilion 2000 (France) vs Le Bonheur Merlot-Cabernet 2004 (South Africa), both wines with distinctive features (the Bordeaux smoother, the South African livelier). Even honours here.
With wine consumption growing rapidly in India, I am sure we'll see more such innovative events that educate and inform the consumer about wines. Sante and Salud!“
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June 2008
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Decanter.com
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Screwcaps are best: Decanter verdict
By Adam Lechmere
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“It's official: screwcap is the best closure for the vast majority of wines, both red and white.
This is the opinion of Decanter magazine's most senior contributors, from Steven Spurrier to Linda Murphy in California and Huon Hooke in Australia , tastings director Christelle Guibert and restaurant critic Brian St Pierre.
In Montes we feel we are in the right track. We are using screwcaps in four of our best whites wines: Montes Classic Sauvignon Blanc, Montes Classic Chardonnay, Montes Cherub and Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc.
In an article entitled '50 Reasons to Love Screwcaps' in the August issue of the magazine, our wine experts are unequivocal. 'Given the choice of the same wine with screwcap or cork, I'd choose the screwcap every time,' Sunday Times wine writer Joanna Simon writes. And her sentiments are echoed by Spurrier – 'the Stelvin is one of the best things to have happened to wine in my lifetime'; Hooke – 'for delicate young white wines…the screwcap is the best closure we have'; Charles Metcalfe – 'in short, they deliver your wine from the bottle in the state that the producer intended.'
“50 Reasons to Love Screwcaps“ is published in Decanter magazine August issue, out on 2 July.
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June 2008
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| Men’sHealth Magazine, U.S.A. |
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| Montes Sauvignon Blanc selected as the Best White Wine |
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Men‘sHealth magazine searched every aisle to find the 131 Best Grocery Foods for Men. In the Beverages & Snacks category, our Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2007 from Leyda Valley was selected as the Best White Wine under $20. According to Men‘sHealth, “The zesty lime and pink grapefruit punch lend the type of acidity that goes perfectly with summer foods.“Per 4-ounce glass: 90 calories.“ … “How we chose the winners? We created this year's list by first comparing the nutrition labels of competing brands in each of our categories. Bonus points were given to those products with more protein and fiber, and less added sugar and sodium. We also took calories per serving into consideration, but didn't penalize for fat—since it adds flavor, helps keep hunger at bay, and is part of a healthy diet if it doesn't lead to excessive calorie intake. Once we pared our choices down, we matched them in a head-to-head taste test to determine the victor. As for draws, the nod went to the product with the fewest ingredients.“ |
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May 2008 |
| BBC News, U.K. |
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| Music “can enhance our wines” |
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Music “can enhance our wines”
According to BBC News, “playing a certain type of music can enhance the way wine tastes, research by psychologists suggests. The Heriot Watt University study found people rated the change in taste by up to 60% depending on the melody heard. The research was carried out for Chilean winemaker Aurelio Montes, who plays monastic chants to his maturing wines. Mr Montes said: "It was therefore a natural extension to link with Heriot Watt and to scientifically determine the impact that music has on how wine tastes."
The researchers said cabernet sauvignon was most affected by "powerful and heavy" music, and chardonnay by "zingy and refreshing" sounds.
Professor Adrian North said the study could lead retailers to put music recommendations on their wine bottles.
The research involved 250 students at the university who were offered a free glass of wine in exchange for their views.
BRAIN THEORY
Four types of music were played - Carmina Burana by Orff ("powerful and heavy"), Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky ("subtle and refined"), Just Can't Get Enough by Nouvelle Vague ("zingy and refreshing") and Slow Breakdown by Michael Brook ("mellow and soft").
The white wine was rated 40% more zingy and refreshing when that music was played, but only 26% more mellow and soft when music in that category was heard. The red was altered 25% by mellow and fresh music, yet 60% by powerful and heavy music. The results were put down to "cognitive priming theory", where the music sets up the brain to respond to the wine in a certain way.
"Wine manufacturers could recommend that while drinking a certain wine, you should listen to a certain sort of music," Prof North said.
Previously, Professor North conducted supermarket research which suggested people were five times more likely to buy French wine than German wine if accordion music was played in the background.If an oompah band was played, the German product outsold the French by two to one.
MUSIC RECOMMENDATIONS
Cabernet Sauvignon: All Along The Watchtower (Jimi Hendrix), Honky Tonk Woman (Rolling Stones), Live And Let Die (Paul McCartney and Wings), Won't Get Fooled Again (The Who)
Chardonnay: Atomic (Blondie), Rock DJ (Robbie Williams), What's Love Got To Do With It (Tina Turner), Spinning Around (Kylie Minogue)
Syrah: Nessun Dorma (Puccini), Orinoco Flow (Enya), Chariots Of Fire (Vangelis), Canon (Johann Pachelbel)
Merlot: Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay (Otis Redding), Easy (Lionel Ritchie), Over The Rainbow (Eva Cassidy), Heartbeats (José González)
Source: Montes wines
Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7400109.stm
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April 2008 |
| Wine News, USA, March / April / May 2008 Issue |
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| Our wines has been selected as Taster’s Choice Selections |
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Great scores to our red wines from Apalta Valley in the Wine Reviews from Wine News magazine:
94 Points: Montes Folly 2005 Syrah, Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Chile
“Black-garnet hue with a viscous ruby rim. Minty, menthol aromas of blueberry jam with a smoky, campfire nuance. A well-structured, fruit-driven wine with flavors of black cherry, anise and chalk. Youthful, fine tannins join polished oak and delectable black fruit in the finish. $93 / 3,000 cases.“
92 Points: Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley
“Forward aromas of blueberry, coconut and new oak. Supple texture with intense flavors of plum, blueberry and oak with a hint of sweet tobacco joined by well-integrated tannins, which allow the rich black fruit to play out in the finish. A classic Montes with telltale opulence. $25.“
92 Points: Montes Alpha Syrah 2006, Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley
“Defined freshness in a bouquet that imparts black cherry, plum, licorice and espresso bean. Accessible black cherry flavors with a compote-like sweetness. Dry, spicy finish imbued with fine-grain tannins and a suggestion of black pepper. $25.“
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April 2008 |
| Wine Enthusiast, USA, May 2008 Issue |
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| 91 Points to our Montes Cherub |
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Wine Enthusiast’s May 2008 issue has selected our Montes Cherub as Editor´s Choice, with 91 Points. According to Wine Enthusiast: “With each passing year this Syrah rosé gets better and better. Yet some things remain the same, like the color, which is almost red, and the clarity, which is nearly perfect. Put this in your mouth and we’ll bet you get no indication that it’s Chilean. It’s a ripe but balanced example of a long and lasting rosé; and it will go with almost anything on your plate. A real winner from South America.”
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June 2008
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| Montes Folly at the launching of Lexus in Chile |
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The Japanese luxury car, Lexus was recently launched in Chile. The first 24 buyers were awarded Montes Folly. Lexus is the luxury brand of the main car manufacturer worldwide, notable by its quality, variety and uniqueness. Chile is the first Latin American country to receive Lexus which has come to compete in the premium market with 5 distinctive models holding the most advanced technology, safety and comfort.
www.lexus.cl |
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March 2008 |
| Wine Spectator’s Advance |
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| 95 points to our Montes Alpha M 2005 |
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In a sneak preview of the buying guide for the May 15, 2008 issue, our Montes Alpha M 2005 received a great score and “Highly Recommended“. According to Wine Spectator: Montes Alpha M 2005, Santa Cruz, Colchagua Valley, $93. “Sleek and refined, but with loads in reserve, this shows layers of mocha, espresso, bittersweet coffee, mineral and currant paste all framed by dense yet supersupple tannins. Beautifully rendered. The best vintage yet of this winery’s flagship red. Best from 2009 through 2015.—J.M.“
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March 2008
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| Luxury web |
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| Montes Folly 2004 selected as one of the “Best 25 Wine of 2007” |
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Montes Folly 2004 had been selected as one of the best wines of 2007 and received 97 points by Manos Angelakis, from LuxuryWeb.com, a site dedicated to the art of living well. Angelakis wrote: “These are my personal favorites for 2007. The list is ranked by numerical rating, regardless of price… What I consider the third best red wine of the year comes from Chile. Montes Folly 2004 is the finest New World Syrah I tasted in 2007. When I first tasted it at the Apalta winery a year ago, I gave it a provisional 94 to 97 rating at the time, but in just a year it has developed to a real charmer. Rated a definitive 97 points.“
www.luxuryweb.com
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March 2008
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| Great scores to our wines by International Wine Cellar |
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Recently, Stephen Tanzer´s International Wine Cellar published a comprehensive review of Chilean wines. Our Montes wines received great scores:
92 Points: Montes Alpha M 2004
92 Points: Montes Folly 2005
91 Points: Montes Folly 2004
90 Points: Purple Angel 2004
90 Points: Montes Alpha Syrah 2006
Seven of our best wines also received good scores (87 to 89 points).
Josh Raynolds, the critic that judged the wines for this publication, tasted close to 1,000 wines and rated 450 of them as having a rating of 85 or better.
There were 66 wines rated above 90 points, and 396 wines rated above 87. According to Josh Raynolds, the overall quality of Chilean wines has noticeably increased… “showing an impressive selection of world-class reds“.
Wine Ratings
92 Points: Montes Alpha M 2004, Colchagua Valley
($93; 80% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc and 5% each of merlot and petit verdot) Ruby-red. Exotic aromas of cassis, blackberry, incense and smoky minerals are admirably focused and expansive. Deep, velvety and sweet, with palate-staining dark berry liqueur flavors, supple tannins and a late-arriving licorice quality. Refuses to let up on the finish, eventually leaving behind sappy blackcurrant and floral pastilles.
92 Points: Montes Folly 2005, Apalta Vineyard Colchagua Valley
($93; 100% syrah) Deep ruby. Powerful blackberry and cassis aromas are complicated by smoked meat, vanillin oak and candied licorice. Supple, sweet and broad, with luscious blackberry and cherry preserve flavors, velvety tannins and great depth. Really stains the palate and finishes with outstanding persistence. An extremely impressive wine, but the price stings.
91 Points: Montes Folly 2004, Apalta Vineyard Colchagua Valley
($93; 100% syrah) Inky ruby. Impressively complex bouquet displays dark berries, cherry, smoky herbs, dried flowers and Asian spices. Deep and velvety, with chewy red and dark berry flavors, spicy minerality and youthfully firm tannins. Gains sweetness on the long, sappy finish. Lovely stuff, and balanced to repay cellaring.
90 Points: Montes Purple Angel 2004 Carmenere, Colchagua Valley
($47; includes 8% petit verdot) Opaque violet. Ripe cherry, blueberry and plum aromas pick up smoked meat and underbrush nuances with air; this offers very impressive aromatic complexity. Restrained and nicely balanced, offering fresh dark berry fruit and lightly dusty tannins. Finishes with good cut, lift and tangy persistence. I'd hold off on opening this for a few years.
90 Points: Montes Alpha Syrah 2006, Colchagua Valley
($25) Ruby-red. Energetic cherry-cola and raspberry aromas offer impressive clarity and a suave floral overtone. Sweet red and dark berry liqueur flavors are complemented by sexy vanillin oak and Asian spices, with supple tannins carrying through the finish. Emphatically modern and quite seductive.
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February 2008
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| Wine Spectator Online, U.S.A. |
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New Great Scores to our Icons Wines
By James Molesworth |
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According to Wine Spectator, “Chile´s 2005 vintage is a strong one, particularly for the reds. And in strong vintages, great wineries really pick up their game, as the classic releases from Viña Almaviva and Viña Montes here ably demonstrate. Both of their flagship bottlings rely on Cabernet Sauvignon, with Almaviva´s showing the Maipo profile of loam and tar, while Montes Alpha M shows the more mineral and currant side of the Colchagua valley.
95 Points: Montes Alpha M 2005
Santa Cruz, Colchagua Valley, $93
“Very sleek and refined, but with loads in reserve, this shows layers of mocha, espresso, bittersweet coffee, mineral and currant paste all framed by dense but supersupple tannins. Beautifully rendered, and the best vintage yet for this winery's flagship wine. Best from 2009 through 2015. 4,500 cases made.“ —J.M.
94 Points: Montes Folly 2005
Santa Cruz, Colchagua Valley, $93
“Dense and layered, with lots of fig, black currant paste, mocha and black licorice flavors, all supported by muscular, but ripe and well-embedded structure. Long, dark finish has lots of power in reserve, but shows fine harmony already. The best-balanced vintage so far for this powerful Syrah. Drink now through 2013. 2,500 cases made.“ —J.M.
91 Points: Purple Angel 2005
Colchagua Valley, $57
“Ripe and plush, with a dense but reserved core of plum and blackberry fruit that will need some cellaring to get past the mocha, coffee and loam notes. Long and dark on the finish, this is well put together. Carmenère and Petit Verdot. Now in its third vintage, and improving. Best from 2009 through 2011. 1,500 cases made.“ —J.M |
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November 2007
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New Montes Alpha Pinot Noir: A great expression from Leyda Valley
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We are very proud to announce the launching of our new Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2006. This wine has a beautiful and delicate ruby red color. Intense and elegant nose with predominance of strawberries and flowery hints that all together makes this Pinot Noir a very lively, harmonious and generous wine. In the palate is clean, well balanced, with soft rounded tannins and a good level of acidity. The wine is lengthy in the mouth showing a well integrated and balanced oak. Due to the very intense microbiologic control this wine is lightly filtered, which makes the aromas and color of Pinot Noir very expressive. Only 2.500 cases were produced from this first harvest.
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November 2007
“International Wineries of the Year“, Wine & Spirits, U.S.A. |
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Montes chosen as a 2007 International Winery
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The prestigious North American magazine Wine & Spirits included five Chilean wineries amongst its Top 100 awarded at the “International Wineries of the Year, 2007” where Montes holds a place. The publication indicates that the selected wineries consistently make great wines expressive of their particular regions, a growing feature in the wines international market. For the past 12 months, the panel tasted over 8.500 imported wines from around the World, selecting those that stood out for their quality and regional character. To be listed as one of the best wineries worldwide is yet another reason for Montes to feel full of pride.
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November 2007
Robb Report, U.S.A. |
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| Montes chosen amongst the 100 Top Wineries Worldwide |
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The November 2007 edition of the Robb Report showcases Montes as chosen amongst the Top 100 Winemakers, in addition to being branded as one of the “world´s greatest producers”. The Robb Report is a magazine about luxury lifestyle in the United States, offering “the best of the best“ to its readers. Only three Chilean wineries are featured, and our Montes Alpha M 2004 is recommended as one of the best wines produced by Montes. The Report states: “Montes led the way in establishing that Chile could produce luxury Bordeaux-style wines to compete on the world stage. The Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon, with its balanced structure, dark fruit, and concentration, remains a standard-bearer. Recommended: Montes Alpha M 2004, Santa Cruz ($90). “
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October 2007 |
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| Montes selected by BMW China for promotional events |
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China Wine Platform, country distributor for Montes in China, recently signed a contract with BMW China to supply a special selection of wines for all their promotional events in China. Beating a strong field of competitors of wine suppliers in China, CWP won the right to supply Montes wines among a special selection to BMW China over a period of 12 months for all BMW functions across China on an exclusive basis.
When asked the reasons behind this selection, Mr. Gregory Li, CWP Executive Director said, "Our sales team had worked very hard on this project. Each company tendering its wines had to give a tasting session to the BMW panel of judges. We were very confident since we have an excellent selection of wines from various countries including Montes. Germans are well known for being very serious about their business and so they went through the tasting with us very meticulously. In the end we beat many much larger companies to win this contract with BMW China."
"BMW China will in the next 12 months be holding many promotional events in various cities across China." Mr. Li added," We expect a great deal of exposure for the various wines that feature in this special BMW selection. BMW is a top brand name, and of course we are very proud to be working with them, and we are especially happy for the various brands of wine we represent that have been included in the BMW selection. We are especially proud of the fact that the BMW tasting panel has selected Montes. Indeed, it is a great honor for all of us."
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October 2007 |
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| Introducing our new Sauvignon Blanc 2007 from the Leyda Valley |
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The new Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2007 from the Leyda Valley was introduced by our winemaker Aurelio Montes del Campo, jointly with the prominent Chilean Chef Coco Pacheco, who allied the wine with a special menu prepared for the occasion. The launch was held at the Kitchen-Workshop restaurant “Aquí está Coco” in Santiago with the partaking of renowned gastronomic critics and journalists who sampled the new Sauvignon Blanc by Montes. According to Aurelio, this new 2007 vintage “holds a great fruit potential to the nose, where citric and fresh peach, pineapple and slight notes of maracuya jointly intermingle. At the palate a fresh, crunchy and precisely acid sensation where surprising spurts of mineral allow for this Sauvignon Blanc to perform its long-lasting, soft and above all elegant linger.
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October 2007
Pittsburgh Tibune-Review, U.S.A. |
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| Montes attends important Charity Dinner |
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By Dave DeSimone
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Western Pennsylvania hosted a charity dinner titled “Passion for Wine” at the PPG Wintergarden, Downtown. Sonoma Grille Yves Carreau´s the chef considered to be a contemporary culinary magician who offered five tempting menus featuring five outstanding wines. Wines were brought from special regions of Portugal and other more sophisticated from the Bordeaux region (Latour, Lafite Rothschild, Margaux and Mouton Rothschild), Grand Cru from Burgundy (Domaine de la Romanée-Conti), Super Tuscans and Cabernets from California. Aurelio Montes was a special invited guest who was thanked for his generosity. Aurelio donated his wines for this charity event and also held a blind wine tasting event for VIP sponsors who later participated in the general meeting. The prestigious newspaper Pittsburgh Tribune refers to Montes´ extensive and fast worldwide success and sets forth three of its wines: Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Leyda Valley (Highly Recommended); Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2006, Casablanca Valley (Recommended) and Montes Alpha M 2004 (Highly Recommended).
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September 2007 |
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| A memorable retrospective of Montes Alpha M in New York |
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Por Tom Hyland
The Cornerstone Angels, led by Marsha Palanci and Jennifer O'Flanagan, organized yet another successful Montes event in New York city, at the ultra-modern Studio 450, a brilliant white loft in the center of Manhattan. Aurelio Montes Sr. and Aurelio Montes Jr. led an impressive attendance of wine journalists through a vertical of our world-famous Montes Alpha M and other Montes and Kaiken wine samples plus a first peek at our still-in-process California wines.
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September 2007
Wine News, U.S.A. |
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| Great scores to our ultrapremium red wines |
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Por Tom Hyland
93 Points: Montes Alpha M 2004, Apalta, Santa Cruz, Colchagua (US$ 82). “Fragrant aromas of wild strawberry, rhubarb and carnation. Full bodied with a generous mid-palate displaying flavors of red cherry, cola and currant. Elegant tannins, good acidity and ample oak. Lengthy, well-rounded finish marked by coriander and cinnamon. Notably complex and expressive of its terroir.“
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92 Points: Montes Folly 2004, Apalta, Santa Cruz, Colchagua (US$ 82). “Aromas of ripe blackberry, boysenberry and anise. Medium-full bodied with excellent concentration. The palate reveals flavors of black cherry, black plum and mace. Big persistence of fruit in the finish. Elegant tannins, good acidity and subtle oak. Richly flavored with a graceful palate feel. A delicious food wine.“ |
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September 2007
Que Pasa Magazine, Chile |
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| Aurelio Montes and Douglas Murray chosen as the most influential
winemakers in Chile |
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The renowned Chilean magazine “Qué Pasa” sourced a first ranking of Chile’s 25 most influential winemakers. Over 150 experts and experienced professionals as well as opinion leaders in the winemaking industry partook in the selection process. Influence was measured as the capacity to open paths both for industry and consumers.
Aurelio´s second place and Douglas´ fifth are a tribute to Montes for quality wine production and industry renovation, as well as for their efforts in expanding markets worldwide. The following are some excerpts from the aforementioned magazine.
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Aurelio Montes: Understood how to take domestic wines into a new realm.
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By Daniel Greve
“He is essentially a passionate man, someone who has electricity running through his veins when he’s in the field, in a cellar or in any other place that smells like wine…” “During the mid 80s, he understood how to take Chilean wines into a new realm. He joined forces with Pedro Grand, Alfredo Vidaurre and Douglas Murray to give rise to Montes, a winery that went over and beyond any expectation. In the mid-term, they expected to export 50 thousand boxes and reached half a million… he also has charisma and emotional intelligence – he screamed from the top of his lungs with a raised fist “we are the champions“, when he launched his winery in the Apalta Valley, a valley he discovered himself - in addition, he has a great and contagious sense of humor. “…. “Aurelio Montes´ contribution to the Chilean winemaking industry is undeniable. Elegant wines such as Montes Alpha M, the magnificent Syrah Montes Folly, or the delirious and complex Purple Angel – 92% Carmenère, something rather unexpected for Aurelio who was skeptic of this variety – are wines that have come to boost the domestic portfolio, wines that roar and preserve the very same tears Montes held with a raised fist, “from Chile with pride“, the perfect leitmotiv.
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Douglas Murray: His contact portfolio is the envy of the industry.
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By Daniel Greve
“A workaholic, passionate, a globe-trotter. Douglas Murray, partner and director of Viña Montes is in charge of marketing and exports, he has gathered some mileage of late… he seems to be far from giving up. “ … “For this wine marketing authority with a restless sense of smell, each destination, each place – no matter how remote – is game. His savvy has Montes listed on the finest restaurants in places like Barbados, Macau, Malta, Cayman Islands or Cook Islands, among other extravaganzas. Jointly with his partners, he is logically responsible for the winery Montes owns in Argentina –Kaikén- and a project in California where we works with local fruit producers and the winery Artesa for production. “…“He also became a great public relations person, a status he pulled off through “instant friendships”, to quote the English journalist Hugo Johnson. First contact, then sell. Also, because he was the director of Wines of Chile – with headquarters in England and the USA – and in charge of exports for San Pedro winery – where he met Aurelio Montes – his contact portfolio is the envy of the industry.” … “People that know him well are aware that every time he launches a new wine, he wears red sox. As if a secret weapon which has, all and all, proved successful.“ |
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July 2007 |
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| Double Gold Medal to our Montes Cherub in San Francisco |
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Our Montes Cherub 2006 was awarded a Double Gold Medal in the 2007 San Francisco International Wine Competition. Montes Cherub has been chosen as the “Best Rosé“ as well as earning “Best Rosé of Show“ for the entire competition. This year had the largest amount of entries from all over the world, and we are very proud that Cherub was recognized as the top Rosé in the competition. Thanks to San Francisco wine lovers for this double award! |
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July 2007 |
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Wine Industry endows Douglas Murray with Best Commercial Manager 2007 Award
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Our Director, partner and founder, Douglas Murray, has been granted Best Commercial Manager award by his peers in the Chilean wine industry. For the second year, Capital Magazine and Seminarium Penrhyn International have acknowledged Murray on the basis of a study entitled: “Compensation for General Managers and Area Managers“. The prize winners were chosen by a group of peers considering professionalism, leadership and goals successfully achieved. Douglas has been working in the winemaking industry for over 35 years and has been a cornerstone in Chile’s success in the wine industry in Asia and our Montes wines worldwide. |
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July 2007 |
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| Excellent scores from Wine Advocate |
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A recent article signed by Jay Miller, published in Wine Advocate issue 171, mentions: “…wineries such as Montes, among others, have figured out how to produce terrific red wines at bargain prices.“ … “Over recent years, Montes has been one of the standard-bearers of quality wines from Chile under the leadership of Aurelio Montes. The lineup is top-notch from entry level to top-of-the-line.“
Some of the best scores to Montes wines are:
94 Points: Montes Alpha 1999
92 Points: Montes Folly 2004
91 Points: Purple Angel 2004 |
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July 2007 |
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| Wine Spectator has rated our Montes Alpha Syrah 2005 with 92 points |
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Great News! Wine Spectator issue August 31, 2007 has rated the Montes Alpha Syrah 2005 at 92 points! It is shown in the “Advance” on their website.
92 Points, Smart Buy: “This is ripe and concentrated yet polished and refined, with layers of dark cherry, blackberry and briar caressed by suave toast, vanilla and mineral notes. Long and fleshy through the finish, which shows solid grip. Contains 7 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 3 percent Viognier. Drink now through 2009.” - J.M. |
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June 2007 |
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| Successfull Online Wine Tasting Seminar! |
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Last Tuesday June 5th we organized our first Online Wine Tasting Seminar from Montes Winery in Chile. Wine writers from USA interacted one-on-one with Aurelio Montes, President and Winemaker, through the Internet, in real time, with interesting topics such as “Chile: A Winemaker’s Paradise“, “Distinctive Terroir: Leyda & Colchagua“ and “Dynamic Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah“. And the wine tasted were Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Leyda; Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2005; Montes Marchigue Barrel Sample, Montes Apalta Barrel Sample, and Montes Folly 2004. We are happy and proud to receive excellent comments from our participating wine writers. Here are a few of them:
“I just wanted to thank you for helping to coordinate and host such an informative Chilean Wine Seminar. I thought Aurelio did a fantastic job communicating a lot of pertinent and interesting info. in a short amount of time. I really enjoyed sampling their wines…. I wish more wineries would take this web-based seminar – innovative approach for wine tasting/education and display what their country or winery has to offer. Three cheers for Montes Winery!“ - Stacy Slinkard, wine writer, About.com, Inc. –an online subsidiary of the New York Times
“That was an ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIC event. Very informative, very efficient… All were impressed with the wines as well as the presentation… Thank you for including me.“ - William Kearns, Bordertown, NJ
“Just a note to say thanks for including me in this! It worked just fine from my point of view – I viewed it with Richard Swearinger down at the Meredith offices. It was a well organized event, and we appreciate being included.“ - Wini Moranville
“Thanks for your help and advice on the webcast. I found a good computer to hook up. Please thank Mr. Montes for taking the time and effort to make it such a succinct and interesting presentation. I have an upcomming feature column on Montes and this just fits right in with what I´m doing and adds to my knowledge.“ - Dennis Schaefer, wine columnist, Santa Barbara News-Press, CA
“This is so cool! Congrats!“ - Michael Green, New York, NY
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June 2007 |
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| Great presentation of Montes in Vinexpo, Bordeaux |
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Without a doubt, another successful VINEXPO. We are very excited with the success of our presentation; numerous people visited our booth and enjoyed our wines. Importers, journalists, friends and future clients from all over the world tasted our wines, making the Montes’ booth one of their favorites among Chilean wineries. We had barrel samples of our loved Montes Folly and Purple Angel 2005 and a new member of Montes Alpha family, to be announced very soon.
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April 2007 |
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| Montes Cherub chosen as one of the best Rosés in the world |
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The 2006 Montes Cherub has been chosen as one of the best Rosé wines in the world by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast, with a total of 90 points.
Along with emphasizing that the wine is 100% Syrah, the magazine states that for Aurelio Montes this is a “serious wine, with subtle spiciness, hints of strawberry, rose and orange peel“. Aurelio chose Syrah because “this grape has a wonderful purple-red color and gives fresh, yet structured wines that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with food“.
This new accolade will be published in the next edition of the magazine, in July of 2007.
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April 2007 |
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| Our icons are granted three outsandings scores by Wine Spectator |
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94 Points: MONTES ALPHA M 2004
“An alluring nose of kenyaa coffee and bittersweet cocoa, with
polished racy notes of black currant, fig and loam on the palate.
The long, fine-grained finish has a nice minerally nose. Not as dense as the 2003 but with better integration.“
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93 Points: MONTES FOLLY 2004
“Shows lovely crushed blueberry and currant fruit aromas and flavors with well-integrated toast and plenty of mineral, briar, mocha and bacon notes on the round, full-bodied finish. Could use some modest cellaring, but this is approachable now.“ |
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90 Points: PURPLE ANGEL 2004
“A bit pumped up with flashy toast, but shows solid raspberry and blackberry fruit, with mocha, tobacco and mineral notes on the long, nicely integrated finish.“
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April 2007 |
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| Wall Street Journal ranks our Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2005 as the best in South America |
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During a blind tasting event of over 60 Chardonnays from Chile and Argentina, The Wall Street Journal selected our dear Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2005 as the Best. Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher writers of the prestigious wine weekly column “Tastings“ have granted the highest category (“Very Good”) to this wine from the Casablanca Valley. They continue to describe this extraordinary Chardonnay as being “like sunshine. Bright, crisp, clear and bursting with ripe fruit. Concentrated fruity tastes and a long citrus finish.“
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March 2007 |
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| Wine Spectator rates our Sauvignon Blanc 90 points |
| Wine Spectator has rated our Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2006 with 90 points (Smart Buy) |
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An outstanding score for this limited edition wine originating from the Leyda Valley. Wine Spectator describes this wine as rich and stylish, with focused lemon verbena, lime, mineral and honeysuckle flavors that really glide through the finish. Lengthy and pure. 20,000 cases made. -J.M.“ |
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February 2007 |
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| Montes Alpha flies on German wings |
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During the months of March and April 2007, First Class passengers on the German airline Lufthansa will have the opportunity to enjoy our Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2002. This selection has been added to Lufthansa’s exclusive wine list, which has been recognized as best in the world in its category. Now passengers throughout Germany and on all international Lufthansa flights will be able to enjoy our wine at great heights. |
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January 2007 |
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| Alfredo Vidaurre was selected the MBA of 2006 |
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We are happy and proud for the award given to our founding partner Alfredo Vidaurre V., as “The best MBA of 2006”, granted by the Business Administration Foundation of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. This award was
presented in an official ceremony held in the Honor Hall of the Pontificia
Universidad Católica de Chile on January 10th.
Alfredo was recognized not only for his years of service as a Faculty Professor –serving as Dean between 1971 and 1973 – but also for being one of the first Chileans to advise foreign Governments, and for having the capabilities, among his many others virtues, to succeed in business as an executive and later on as an entrepreneur. Alfredo stated, “I feel a great honor, gratified and grateful to receive such a distinction. I feel great and thank you enormously”. The ceremony was presided over by Francisco Rosende, Faculty Dean and several others
personalities such as Vittorio Corbo, President of the Chilean Central Bank, former Secretaries of State Sergio de Castro, Martín Costabal and José Piñera, and
businessmen Juan Cúneo, Félix Bacigalupo and Juan Obach, among others. |
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December 2006 |
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| The Observer Magazine (The Guardian,UK) chooses Aurelio Montes as Winemaker of the Year |
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The outstanding journalist Tim Atkin of the prestigious The Observer Magazine (of the british newspaper The Guardian) has chosen Aurelio Montes as “Winemaker of the Year 2006”, in his latest article “My Wines of the Year”.
According to Atkin, Aurelio Montes is one of the most experienced winemakers in the southern hemisphere, and it shows in the quality of his wines: 2005 Montes Alpha Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley “A leesy, toasty Chardonnay with palate tingling acidity“; 2004 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon, Apalta Vineyard,
Colchagua Valley “Chilean Cabernet at its very best: minty, rich and powerful“. |
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November 2006 |
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| Launch of the Montes book entitled “Where Angels Tread” |
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With great affection we inform you that we have launched the book “Where Angels Tread”, the story of the Montes Winery, written by the english journalist Jamie Ross with a prologue by Hugh Johnson.
From the beginnings, when four visionary and enthusiastic partners conceived and created the Montes Winery, to the worldwide recognition by the winelovers of today in all parts of the world, the story of Montes has had the care and affection of our angels. This book relates previously unpublished details of the trajectory of our winery. |
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November 2006 |
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| Montes named Chilean Winery of Year |
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The Chilean Wineries Association has chosen Montes as the Winery of the Year, a distinction presented at the launch of the Casas de Lo Matta Wine Gala 2006, in Vitacura, Santiago.
The Wine Gala is an annual event where more than 45 participating Chilean wineries come together. It is the first time the Winery of the Year award has been made and Montes has been rewarded for its outstanding contribution to the wine producing sector, especially in the development and production of premium and super premium Chilean wines and its commercial work in the different world markets. Aurelio Montes, Douglas Murray and José Tomás Vidaurre -representing his father Alfredo Vidaurre- founding partners of the winery, accepted the award. |
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October 2006 |
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The Corporación Chilena del Vino (Chilean Wine Corporation)
renders homage to Douglas Murray |
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During the Annual Meeting of the Chilean Wine Corporation, homage was rendered to Douglas Murray, founding partner of Viña Montes. On the occasion, Douglas received this recognition for his outstanding career and for being one of the pioneers in the exports of fine-quality wines from Chile. Each year, this award is given by the Corporation to oustanting figures in the Chilean wine industry.
More than 300 people gathered at Fundo Santa María de Panguilemo in Talca, where the 9th Annual Meeting of the Chilean Wine Corporation was held, under the slogan "Strategies To Successfully Cope With Market Challenges". |
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October 2006
The Wall Street Journal, Weekend Journal |
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| MontesReserve Cabernet Sauvignon chosen as favorite by The Wall Street Journal. |
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In a blind tasting of Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile for under $20, our Montes Reserve 2004 received the highest ranking:
The Dow Jones Inexpensive Chilean Cabernet Index
Vineyard/Vintage: Nº 1 Montes Reserve 2004 Colchagua Valley (Now under our “Montes Classic Series“ label)
Price: $8.99
Rating: Very Good / Delicious
Taster’s Comments: Best of tasting and best value. Confident wine, with proud, rich tastes of earth, herbs and bittersweet chocolate. Some intensity and structure. Outrageous bargain. |
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September 2006 |
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| Montes Alpha is chosen as one of the “100 Great Wine Values” |
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Wine Spectator has selected our beloved Montes Alpha Syrah 2004 as one of the “100 Great Wine Values“ in the October 31, 2006 issue. This selection includes the best Syrah wines from around the world, that score 88 to 94 points and cost $25 or less.
Montes Alpha Syrah 2004, 91 Points, Apalta Vineyard, $ 25: “Lovely aromas of dark fruits and spice lead to a ripe, supple palate of cassis, plum and mineral flavors. Shows nice grip. Drink now through 2008.“
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September 2006 |
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| Montes sponsors the southernmost endurance horse race |
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The Patagonia Enduro is the southernmost horse race competition worldwide and the 2007 version includes races in three of the most breathtakingly beautiful landscapes in Chile: Tierra del Fuego (January) and Torres del Paine (April), both held in Chilean Patagonia, and the third race in San Pedro de Atacama (June).
Our enthusiastic encouragement to sponsor this event was supported by last year’s 2006 version which included the active involvement of three of our Montes team members: Aurelio Montes, Carlos Serrano and Andrés Turner.
With the backing of our laborious horses and encircled by amazing nature-bound landscapes we trust our team will afford us high-level results this year and a matchless adventure. |
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August 2006
Wine News Magazine |
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| First score received by the new Montes Cherub |
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The following are two wines from Montes that were rated in the most recent issue of the Wine News (August/September 2006). This is the first score/numerical rating that the Cherub has received.
Montes Cherub, Rose of Syrah 2005 90 points
“Vibrant pink hue with a ruby flint. Pungent cherry and strawberry aromas with a rose petal note. Solid core of cherry flavors show a lively, tart, edge. Sweet then dry finish with plenty of heft”
Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2004 92 points
“Exquisite aromas of lemon zest, pineapple and vanilla. Medium bodied with deep concentration, bracing acidity and flavors of lemon, golden apple and pear. Excellent length with nicely integrated oak and subtle yellow spice notes. Elegant food wine.”
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July 2006
Wines of the Week, jancisrobinson.com |
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| Jancis Robinson select our Montes Sauvignon Blanc
as “Wine of the Week” |
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| “I have already written about the much more serious, and more expensive, Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Leyda but I was very impressed by Montes Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Casablanca Valley which is less serious - tells a joke or two - and has enlough richness to survive aggressive chilling, non shortage of acidity, and lots of refreshing citrus nd passion fruit flavour. It’s not one of the asparagus spectrum of Sauvignons, nor, unlike the Leyda, is it especially minerally. This Casablanca version mainlines fruit – in fact I wonder whether they adopted the technique of picking the fruit at different stages of ripeness, including some particularly ripe fruit for the exotic, slightly tropical aroma (not the same as the simple pineapple aroma I associate with low temperature fermentation).“ |
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January 2006
Robert Whitley |
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Montes Folly 2003, 96 Puntos!
A Great Heart-Warming Score and Stimulating Comments by Robert Whitley: |
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“The 2003 Folly is another achievement in a string of excellent vintages of Syrah from this vineyard. It is tightly wound and powerful, much in the style of an exceptional wine from the northern Rhone. This well-balanced Syrah has a beautiful core of sweet fruit that is momentarily masked by the firmness of the tannins. Give it a good two to three years before opening and you, too, will be nobody's fool! 96 Points.” |
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November 2005
Wine Spectator Magazine |
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| Highly recommemded, 94 Points,
Montes Alpha M 2003 |
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| ”Gorgeous, racy and pure, with black
cherry, black tea, mineral, espresso and sanguine notes running
along finely stitched tannins and fresh acidity. Long, detailed
finish echoes with cocoa and fruit. Delivers a lot without being
bombastic. Drink now through 2012. J.M.” |
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August - September 2005
Wine News Magazine, U.S.A. |
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| 95 Points, Montes Folly 2003 |
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| ”An intense, purple-to-the-rim hue.
Uplifting aromas of plum, cherry, blueberry, sage and vanilla.
Laden with supple black fruit flavours, rustic tannins and a
distinct minerality throughout. Excellent length; keeps improving
in the glass. $75.” |
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| August - September 2005 |
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| Montes Alpha in New York’s
US Open |
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| Our beloved Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon
was chosen as the official Cabernet of the 2005 US Open. The
competition, one of the four most important Grand Slams in the
tennis world circuit, was held between last 29th. August and
11th. September, in Forest Hills, New York; and we made a splendid
exhibition of our Montes alpha to all those attending. |
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