WTN: 2007 Montes Alpha Special Reserve Carmenere

Bought this at Vintages a few months ago for twenty bucks less a nickel.

Solid, high-quality, natural cork closure. 14.5% alc./vol. Saturated dark garnet hue throughout. Plenty of legs with swirling; viscous appearance. Full-on, ripe-fruit-and-oak / New-World / forward nose. Dark and fruity; lush. The typical green-pepper spice of Carmenere is toned down here (as opposed to many other renditions of this variety). Plush mouthfeel; big, ripe wine. Expansive cherry/berry fruit and oak spice on entry. Warm and ripe, expansive mouthfeel. Broad and velvety tannin. Plenty of quality oak spice on the finish.

This went quite well with the grilled teriyaki pork chops. All in all, though, the wine reminds me more of Zinfandel than it does of most of the Carmeneres that I've had to-date. It seems that many reserves go for plush but non-descript aromatics, coupled with much largesse, and few edges. And sometimes, for that precise reason, I prefer the regular bottlings

Bought this at Vintages a few months ago for twenty bucks less a nickel.

Solid, high-quality, natural cork closure. 14.5% alc./vol. Saturated dark garnet hue throughout. Plenty of legs with swirling; viscous appearance. Full-on, ripe-fruit-and-oak / New-World / forward nose. Dark and fruity; lush. The typical green-pepper spice of Carmenere is toned down here (as opposed to many other renditions of this variety). Plush mouthfeel; big, ripe wine. Expansive cherry/berry fruit and oak spice on entry. Warm and ripe, expansive mouthfeel. Broad and velvety tannin. Plenty of quality oak spice on the finish.

This went quite well with the grilled teriyaki pork chops. All in all, though, the wine reminds me more of Zinfandel than it does of most of the Carmeneres that I've had to-date. It seems that many reserves go for plush but non-descript aromatics, coupled with much largesse, and few edges. And sometimes, for that precise reason, I prefer the regular bottlings

Hi Paul;

It's not often we see you here any more, but I can understand that one gets busy. I too like the Montes Alpha wines, especially the cabernet and the syrah, but not so much the carmenere. ( Really don't care for carmenere from anywhere)

In case you do not know, Mo'Cool 2010 is !ON! and if possible I hope you can make it down. .

Bob, thanks for the kind words.

I, on the contrary, have found quite a friend in Carmenere, I must say. It's spicy, dark and brooding most times. I really like the spicy edge that it displays. It's such a pleasant change from the mainstream varieties.

I think what's really happened is that with my beloved old-style Pinotages basically gone, and fewer and fewer Fochs being available to me, I am looking for a new vinous love... Oh, and I recently discovered the wonders of hard apple cider (sparkling/dry being my favourite style), so my horizons have taken a bit of a shake-up

But, nothing beats a good Pinotage full of leathery / banana / tomato and smoke aromas!!

I had a brief but consuming affection for Carmenere 6-7 years ago before I found loire Cabernet Franc and Blaufränkisch. I´ve had the opportunity to visit Chile though a couple of times in the last few years and my intrest has been renewed. I must say that although some may find it a little more polished than the rough and ready Carmeneres of the entry-level bottlings, Errazuriz Kai Carmenere is the single most impressive South American red that I´ve ever tasted. It´s like Carmenere with a shave and a shower.

Cheers,
Bill

Blaufränkisch!! I love Blaufränkisch - always have! But we haven't had any for a long time here in Ontario.

I'm just having the final glass of the Montes Alpha Carmenere now. It's gotten a bit blowsy and alcoholic since I opened it - but it's still a good wine, albeit in a very modern style.

Another one to look out for is Perez Cruz. Paul, did you see my Wines of Canada tasting the other day?

Bob

Hello Bob,

I did indeed. It was most exciting to read about the Quails' Gate Foch. I do so wish that Vintages would bring that wine in again sometime. We are in a truly dire situation for quality Foch here in Ontario. There are fewer and fewer examples nowadays. Yes, Malivoire still produces their Old Vines version, but I have gotten sceptical given the exorbitant price they charge for it. Frankly, I really miss the late '90s, when you could get many phenomenal Fochs for ten bucks less a nickel, and often times, for much less even than that. They were well made, oaked reds, with brisk acidity, light-to-medium body, and plenty of rustic flavour. The bean counters and marketers have all but killed the genre, to my great dismay.

Kudos to Henry of Pelham for being such gloriously stubborn defenders of the Baco underdog all these years... I really wish someone would do the same for Maréchal Foch here in Ontario!!