Montes - Purple Angel 2021

Viña Montes is the shared vision of four friends, first dreamed up in the late 1980s, of making Chilean wines to a higher level than the world had ever seen. Now sold in more than 100 countries and noted as pioneers of high-end Chilean wine (Syrah, especially), Montes has undoubtedly achieved that goal. Perhaps it is the work of the angels that adorn the winery at every turn and, indeed, the wines’ labels – a superior presence that one of the founders felt alongside him, they add to the winery’s decidedly mystical air.

Opened in 2004, the winery features gravitational technology, a sustainable ethos and feng shui design supervised by expert Sylvia Galleguillos. Using the philosophy’s principles to find deeper union with its surroundings and, ultimately, wines, it highlights the elements of metal, wood, earth, fire and water wherever possible. So the entrance is accessed via a wooden path over a small lagoon of water flowing towards the building; at its core, a fountain resembling a lily opens up to a skylight above, connecting the building with the outer world.

70% of this wine was aged for 18 months in first-use French oak barrels, and 30% aged in second- and third-use use barrels.

"Terrific aromas of black fruit and blackcurrants with dried spices such as thyme, rosemary and oregano. Notes of dried figs, tomato leaves and blackberry leaves. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are polished and so attractive. Refined and caressing in the finish. Structured tannins at the end. Very drinkable and enjoyable now. Slightly low alcohol this year. Why wait?" - 97 Points, James Suckling

"For me, this is the best Purple Angel since 2016, another cooler, fresher vintage in Chile. Partnering Carmenère and 8% Petit Verdot, with equal parts of the blend from Apalta and Marchigüe, this has plenty of graphite and tarragon on the nose, supple, granular tannins, layers of coffee bean, chocolate and black cherry and a balanced, nuanced finish. A wine that doesn’t seem to be trying too hard to impress you. Delicious." - 97 Points, Tim Atkin

"This rather muscular red opens with elegance and grace, offering peppery floral details that meld with baking spice, sage and vanilla bean aromas before giving way to a concentrated core of mineral-accented berry and damson plum flavors that build richness as they make their way to the finish line, stretching out around firming tannins and a late echo of coffee bean. Carmenère and Petit Verdot." - 94 Points, Wine Spectator

Producer: Montes

Country: Chile

Region: Colchagua Valley

Varietal: Carménère, Petit Verdot

Appellation: Colchagua Valley

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml