The 2020 Montes Alpha M is a proprietary blend originating from the Apalta sub-region in the Colchagua Valley of Chile. This red wine is crafted by Montes and comprises 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. The wine is sealed with a cork and has an alcohol content of 14.5%.
James Suckling awarded this wine an excellent score of 97, describing it with a "classic cabernet nose with olives and red peppers," complemented by notes of "sweet tobacco and milk chocolate with a meaty edge." He notes that the wine is "juicy and full-bodied but quite fit, with bright acidity and some densely packed tannins," and concludes that it is "grippy but really well-honed with an extremely long finish." Suckling recommends giving the wine "two years to let the oak settle in."
Vinous also provided a favorable review, scoring the wine 95 points. Reviewer Joaquin Hidalgo describes the Montes Alpha M as "purple in hue," with a nose presenting "boldo and garrigue notes along with redcurrant and spice over a layer of cedar." The wine is characterized as "indulgent and juicy in the mouth," with "polished, reactive tannins" that sculpt the palate, leading to a "lingering, complex finish." Hidalgo highlights that, like previous vintages, this wine is "made with a nod to Napa."
The 2020 Montes Alpha M was aged for 18 months in 70% new barrels, a process that contributes to its refined tannic structure and complexity. Both reviews underline the wine's potential for aging, suggesting it will continue to develop and improve over the next few years. This proprietary blend from Montes is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of Chilean winemaking, offering a robust yet nuanced profile that appeals to connoisseurs and critics alike.