2002-2003
USA Copley News Service, February 11, 2002
WINE MYTHS INTIMIDATE, NEED TO BE EXPLODED
By Robert Whitley
"The higher the price, the better the wine" myth. Wine, prices are deducted by demand, not quality. Many expensive wines are excellent, but many are not. For example, California winemaker Helen Turley makes awful wines that sell for outrageous prices. Demand is high and supply is short. Be thankful you either can’t find or can’t afford her wines. Repeat after me: Geyser Peak, Paul Jaboulet, Trimbach, Chateau St. Jean, Montes, Chateau Souverain, Wolf Blass, Hugel, Miguel Torres, Kunde, Rosemount Estate".
HAAREZ NEWSPAPER, Tel Aviv, Israel, Feb 27, 2002
By Daniel Rogov (most influential in Israel).
Montes Alpha "M" 1999: A traditional Bordeaux blend… this limited edition, top of the line wine from Montes is loaded with character and charm… 91 points.
Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2000 Perhaps the first Chilean Chardonnay that will make most people think of the wines from Chablis. 90 points.
Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2001 Surprisingly complex for its youth and with lively personality this unoaked grassy and herbaceous wine has the color of golden straw. 89 points.
Our gratitude to Mr. Amir Efraty for his support and to ANAVIM, our importer, for selecting us.
TA KUNG PAO
(Newspaper in Chinese), Hong Kong, June 21 2002
"Chilean wine is gaining ground in the Hong Kong wine market". Chilean wines capture the attention of wine lovers. Montes, one of the top wineries from Chile, produces Alpha "M" that remains the benchmark for the levels of excellence that Chile can achieve. Now Montes launches another wine of truly superb quality at a similar level to Montes Alpha "M" but different in style, Montes Folly. Hong Kong was allocated 180 bottles which retail at HK$700.-
CAPITAL MAGAZINE, Chile, October 2002
CONSISTENT AURELIO MONTES
By Paola Doberti
"Walking about the fields all day long"... These are words that sum up Aurelio Montes, winemaker of vast experience and one of Viña Montes founding "fathers". He has been the creative mind and hand in the making of some of the best wines that represent Chile at the moment. His daring and audacity in developing wines of such quality as the Montes Alphas's have put the country distinctly on the world map. For this reason the Chilean National Agricultural Society named Aurelio as their “Man of the Year” and invited him to join their society as Adviser and Vice-President. A great recognition by Chile’s main and oldest agricultural association.
LA CAV MAGAZINE, Chile, October 2002
THE HISTORY THAT BROUGHT MONTES TO THE TOP
By Patricio Rojas
This specialized magazine takes us back to the beginnings of Montes through an accurate and well documented article. The new and unorthodox business approach established by them has driven them right up to the top, as Rojas points out in his well chosen title; since, not only has this particular approach stirred the interest of the world's specialized media; but it has also been treated as a subject of study at university level, discussed as a "case" of successful venture. Douglas Murray seems to have anticipated such success when, inspired, he had claimed that their name had to be one easily pronounced the world over. Now it just so happens that "Montes" is a word that seems to be on the tip of wine lovers’ tongues, the world over!...
WINE & SPIRIT, USA, November 2002
WINERY OF THE YEAR
Wine & Spirit, the prestigious American magazine, refers to Viña Montes in its exclusive list of "Wineries of the Year", due to the spectacular results it has achieved with its wines, considering them as of a clearly international style, clean and rich in taste, and particularly emphasizing its Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 as well as the fantastic surprise they had been keeping up their sleeve: Montes Folly 2000.
FOOD & WINE, USA, December 2002
A SUCCESSFUL HISTORY OF CHILE
By Connie McCabe
Under the title "A Successful History of Chile" you'll find a most interesting article on Aurelio Montes, his family; and, needless to say, the enormous and increasing success of his wines while at the same time presenting mouth-watering dishes of Chile's gastronomy and the wines in the Montes cellar to be served with them. To stir your appetite, we shall merely read aloud to you the menu described by the prestigious Food & Wine magazine: Grilled sausages with a sauce, accompanied by Montes Reserve Malbec 2001. Tender lettuce and avocado salad with a lime dressing, as a side dish to complement the delicious, juicy beef and pork done to perfection in the grill, side by side with the tasty curried chicken and pimento brochettes; and, of course, washed down with their superb Montes Alpha Syrah 2000. To crown the meal, delicious creamy caramel crêpes with a Montes 1998 Late Harvest. An unforgettable experience of delicious Chilean tastes!
LOBBY MAGAZINE, Chile, December 2002
THE BEST OF 2002
Lobby magazine has called on 19 experts, journalists and wine writers, to choose the year 2002' best wine producers. Yes! You have rightly guessed: Montes classified with its magnificent Montes Syrah 2000, causing a great impact among the specialists, also because it has been a new variety to be given such a score.
JOY MAGAZINE, December 2002
THE BEST LATINS
By Juan Aznares
"The Best Latins"! Such is the title given by Joy magazine, introducing the best wines of Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Miami. An outstanding place was given to Montes as Bodega Latina (Latin Winery), Revelation 2002, at the test carried out in Miami. Simultaneously, it reached an excellent first place as Best Winery and Best Label for their Montes Folly, at the sampling presented in Chile.
WINE ENTHUSIAST, USA, January 2003
MONTES CHOSEN NEW WORLD WINERY OF THE YEAR CEREMONY TOOK PLACE IN NEW YORK
Douglas Murray and Aurelio Montes, two of Montes Wines' founding partners, attended the Prize awarding ceremony held in New York on 13th. January by Wine Enthusiast, the prestigious wine magazine. On the occasion they were granted recognition as the New World Winery of the Year 2002, which they proudly took home with them.
This is undoubtedly great news to this enterprising group, already known and praised for their talent and innovative approach in the Chilean winemaking arena. Furthermore, Montes also happens to be the first winery in Chile to win the award, in competition with other renowned houses, such as Penfolds of Australia, Villa Maria of New Zealand and KWV of South Africa, which also ran for the title. Wine Enthusiast writes: "Founded only fifteen years ago, Montes quickly established themselves and their innovative wines as an example of excellence to be imitated by other producers in Chile. Winemaker Aurelio Montes, a brilliant innovator; and Douglas Murray, with a singular flair for marketing, have carried out the cause for premium wines in the country, creating a line of "Super Premium Chileans", from extraordinary vineyards, which are both admirable and accessible"
CHILEVINOS, January 2003
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND RECOGNITION TO DOUGLAS MURRAY'S ACHIEVEMENTS
"To be honest, this is to me something important and special...", are Murray's characteristic low profile words, as he thanks Chilevinos for having distinguished him for his professional achievements. The magazine singles out the best accomplishers in the world of wine each year.
He further adds, in the same vein: "...It is one of the few acknowledgements I have received; but which I compare to another, granted to me in Japan; only this time my Chilean colleagues showed a greater heart by giving me their preference..." So remarked the man whose career has been one of the most spectacular in Chile's wine trading.
TRAVELLING THROUGH JAPAN...
Within the framework of the visit of the Chilean president to Japan last February, we had the honour of being represented at the table by our beloved Montes Alpha wines during the dinner offered him and his delegation by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, at Tokio's exclusive New Otani Hotel. In the event, the choice fell upon our Montes Alpha Chardonnay, 2001, and Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 1997. This was also a matter of great pride to Enoteca, our importers, who collaborated enthusiastically with the reception.
NAPA NEWS.COM, 10th January 2003
AIMING HIGH IN THE WINE MARKET
By Paul Franson
For the outstanding role Chilean wines play in the North American market as well as for their remarkable future. On those grounds has Montes been acknowledged as a pioneer in the production of wines of top quality in Chile. According to the magazine: "Montes' are amongst Chile's most prestigious wines. A partnership between winemaker Aurelio Montes and tireless marketing wizard, Douglas Murray; and other partners, including Agustín Huneeus, also proprietor of Quintessa. Montes have been pioneers in the planting of vineyards in uphill slopes, which produce wines far more intense than those growing in the plains. Their Montes Alpha M and Montes Folly, Syrah (this last one selling for US$ 72, compared to US$ 20 of the Alpha line and US$ 10 of the Reserve) represent excellent value.
BONVIVANT MAGAZINE, MEXICO,
January-February 2003
MONTES CHOSEN N° 1 AND N° 2 IN BLIND TASTING
By Miguel Guzmán Paredes
"In less than a decade Chile has become the world's 5th. wine exporter". These words speak for the peak reached by our wines, especially those of Viña Montes, who in a short space of time have turned into Nº 1, owing to their quality and prices in the market. And this is not something that has been determined arbitrarily by us; but rather the evaluation obtained by Montes through many specialized critics. To this, we must add the evaluation made by the Oenologic Group of Mexico in the course of a blind tasting session that counted 23 tasters of vast experience to analyze the visual, olfactory and gustatory qualities of eighteen Super Premium wines sold commercially in the country's capital. The first place went to Montes Alpha M, scoring 88.15 points, leaving its parents happier than happy. However, the gladness rises; since, to top the whole story, Montes Folly came second, with 86.83 points. This is worth a toast!
LAS ULTIMAS NOTICIAS, Chile, February 16th, 2003
CHILEAN WINERIES IN ARGENTINA
By Lino Solís de Ovando
"The winery of the year 2000" to start producing in Argentina. With this news, Viña Montes join the enterprising group of Chileans who have dared to invest on the other side of the Andes. On an early phase they intend to produce 200.000 bottles per year of the Reserve line, especially intended for the international market. Alfredo Vidaurre, president of Montes, has explained that this initiative, as yet without a name, points at consolidating existing channels of distribution in the international market, along with the expertise of their winemaking team and the present competitiveness in Argentina.
CYPRUS LION, Cyprus, 28th February 2003
A SUCCESS FROM CHILE
By Patrick Skinner
In their "Wining & Dining" section, the important Cyprian newspaper summarizes a long article on Montes, emphasizing that: "...it is a great value to add to Cyprus' cellars that will delight my dining and wining companions. Montes wines have good value, starring their Chardonnay. I also enjoyed very much their Merlot, whereas Pinot Noir happens to be one of my favourite varieties. Montes wines are available in most good supermarkets. They are tremendously valued as gifts."
WINE SPECTATOR, USA
93 POINTS,
TWICE IN LESS THAN A YEAR!
It seems as though 93 shall be, as from now, a favourite number for our two most prized wines! In fact, Wine Spectator had already given 93 points to our dear Montes Alpha M, the pioneer of super premiums in Chile. Our 2000 received this outstanding score on the "Spectator Selections" (Sept. 2002), plus a highly satisfying comment: "Combines a subtle texture, seductive tastes of cassis and black currants, exquisite toast and notes of black tea. A very long ending, resounding with harmony and accuracy. Beautiful. The new standard for Chile. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Drink it beginning today, and until 2010. J.M."
Later, our Montes Folly 2001 was to score the same 93 points (March, 2003), much increasing our pride in having produced such marvelous recognitions twice in only two months. Wine Spectator comments: "Oenologue and partner Aurelio Montes continues to improve his vineyards' production at every level, while at the same time becoming Chile's leader in wines of greater quality. This wine, 100% Syrah is a product of vineyards growing in the best slopes of Apalta; a small crescent shaped section nesting in the coastal hills of the Colchagua valley. This stunner flaunts a wail of concentrated blackberry and black currant flavours with cocoa notes strengthened by massive tannins, so cellar for maximum effect. It is a terrific Syrah that does not stray into the top-heavy blockbuster style. Just the second vintage for this wine, and it’s really impressive. Best between 2004 and 2007. From Chile, J.M."
À LA CARTE MAGAZINE, AUSTRIA
By Michael Pronay
In an article on the wines of Chile, Michael Prónay and Günther Reindl carried on in Austria a wine tasting of some 108 wines, scoring from 1 to 100 points. Their comments on Montes and their wines were truly most impressive. "Montes could be considered as the pioneer of a new vitiviniculture. Aurelio Montes is Chile's answer to Michel Roland. At the end of the eighties he started with a new concept of vineyard in Chile. Small, biased towards quality and export". "Montes Alpha M is supposedly the top wine of the line; personally, I prefer their Syrah..., which to me is the best wine I tasted in Chile. I granted it 95 points."..." Even though Syrah is not the most popular variety, it can develop comfortably in Chile. Almost all new plantations are considering this variety in their plans. Montes Folly can be favourably compared to any Australian, French or Californian Syra
WINE SPECTATOR MAGAZINE, 30th April 2003
MONTES WINES, PIONEERS IN QUALITY AND PRICE
By James Molesworth
James Molesworth shows an interesting view on Montes, underlining the growth they have experienced over the last few years and the extraordinary condition of their vineyards in Apalta. Referring to their Top Montes Alpha M and Montes Folly, he points out: "Today the Montes Apalta vineyards provide the grapes with which Montes Alpha M made its début in 1996, obtaining a 89 point score. Since then, it has increased its score by one point per year, reaching 93 points for its 2000 harvest. At the same time, these vineyards also provide the grapes for Montes Folly, 100% Syrah, which showed an outstanding beginning scoring 92 points for its 2000 vintage." (Folly 2001 already reached 93 points this last March). "This is what being a pioneer is all about", remarks Aurelio Montes; "Planting new "things" by adapting new vines" "The wines characterize the different facets in the Montes personality. Alpha M is soft and refined, with mineral touches that are distinctive of Chile, denoting Montes' experience and expertise. Folly, on the other hand, is wild and tannic; bringing out the adventurous face of Montes."
"Aurelio Montes, Viña Montes' winemaker and partner, continues improving the quality of his vineyards' production throughout the gamut of prices, while at the same time remaining the leader in Chile's quality leap. This wine, 100 % Syrah, comes from the best vineyards in the steepest slopes of the Apalta valley." With these praising words, James Molesworth, editor for South America for the prestigious Wine Spectator magazine, approves and recommends our Montes Folly 2001, awarding it 93 points.
WINE ACCESS MAGAZINE, CANADA, April 2003
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM CANADA
Under the title "Chile: Gaining respect", David Lawrason analyses the reasons for which Chilean wines have gained increasing relevance in the international market as a producer of wines of superb quality. On his analysis on the best wine producing valleys he singles out Montes and "their fabulous red wines", including Montes Folly of which he says: 94 points, Montes Folly 2001: " A new top gun Syrah from Montes. It comes from a tiny, steep, stony plot high in Montes’ Apalta Vineyard –a site considered folly to plant and harvest… It’s a huge, lush yet elegant Syrah drenched in figgy fruit, tar, smoke, chocolate and macaroon complexity. Excellent to outstanding length, with fine tannin buried deep in the fruit (DL 01/03)". He also says that Apalta Valley wines are "less swooningly sweet and opulent than those of Maipo or Aconcagua, but better structured in a European sense.
DOBLEVIA S.A., COLOMBIA
During our visit to Colombia, and together with our importers: DOBLEVIA S.A., Juan Carlos Beltrán, Daniel Calle, Anita Botero and Andrés Restrepo we carried out wine tasting sessions aimed at personalities in the world of wine in both Bogotá and Medellín. Montes Alpha M 1999 was the instrument through which we met Colombia's First Lady, Mrs. Lina Uribe, who welcomed us in her "finca" in Medellín and also joined us in a winetasting in Bogotá. An unexpected honor!
A THOUSAND AND ONE ARABIAN NIGHTS
To celebrate the DUBAI WORLD CUP, the "richest prize" (US$ 6 million) in horse racing, MONTES were the only wines served during the party for 5.000 guests, in pure "A thousand and one nights" style, held in five huge Bedouin tents in the desert, with thousands of multicoloured torches and thirty attractive belly dancers. Presiding was Sheik Mohamed Bin Rashid Marktoum Al Marktoum, Regent Prince and Defense Minister of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). Our special recognition to our exclusive importer, AFRICAN & EASTERN, based in Dubai.
VINOTHÈQUE WINE MAGAZINE
AN UNEXPECTED HONOUR FROM JAPAN
Vinothèque, the oldest and respected wine trade magazine in Japan, celebrated their 20th Anniversary with a wonderful dinner in the Ball room at the 39th floor of Hotel Park Hyatt Tokyo and presented their selection of the six wine world personalities whom they considered most influential in the development of the Japanese wine market during the past 20 years. Their selection was:
•Mr. Joseph Henriot (Bourchard Père & Fils ) France
•Mme. May Elian de Lencquesaing (Ch. Pichon Longueville) France
•Mr. Marcel Ducasse (Ch. Lagrange) France
•Mr. Douglas Murray (Montes & Montes Alpha) Chile
•Mr. Angelo Gaja (Gaja) Italy
•Mr. Jeffrey Grosset (Grosset) Australia
Our Douglas Murray felt incredibly honoured and still believes the selection should have gone to our partner and winemaker, Aurelio Montes. Perhaps they have seen more of Douglas during the last 20 years but the real reason is that they admire the way MONTES has played the role model for Chilean premium wines and our contribution to radically improve the quality of Chilean wines in general. As Vinothèque puts it "With MONTES ALPHA "M" Chile has shown the world its capacity to produce the very best super-premium wines".
