It's great to sit around a table with wine geeks and discuss what is the best wine in a category. Many shy away from the question because the best is subjective, and everyone has an educated right answer. Best Merlot, many would say the obvious is Chateau Petrus. How about the best Cabernet Sauvignon? Many have an opinion on Screaming Eagle or Harlan. How about the best Pinot Noir? It would be hard to argue against Domaine Romanee Conti. Quick answers to; Best Chardonnay, Le Montrachet; Best Syrah, Chave Hermitage; Best Shiraz, Penfolds Grange. How about the best Carmenere? Suddenly crickets are heard around the table. But we all strive to have the best in our cellars or at least dream about owning them. We should consider a wine that many believe is the best Carmenere in the world, Montes Purple Angel. And at a price point of well under $100, it is a bargain compared to other best-of wines.

First, a brief history of Carmenere. I say brief so your eyes don't glaze over. The Carmenere variety was a noble strain planted in Bordeaux until the plague of phylloxera attacked vines in France in 1860, causing their extinction. Before that, Carmenere was grown along with other local varieties such as Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, and Petite Verdot, where the selection and combination of these varieties gave rise to unique wine blends, contributing to the best wines in the world. After phylloxera destroyed French vineyards, winemakers there tried to start over by replanting vines grafted over with more pest-resistant US rootstocks. However, Carmenere, for a variety of reasons, did not take to grafting and all but disappeared in France. 

Chile, on the other hand, not having any indigenous wine grapes of their own, imported vinifera clones from Bordeaux, amongst other noble areas. Thanks to Chile's four natural boundaries –the Andes Mountains, Pacific Ocean, Atacama Desert, and Antarctic icefields– this country was the only place on Earth where Carmenere vineyards were planted on their own roots and safe from the phylloxera pest. The problem was winemakers in Chile thought it was Merlot; in fact, they called it "Chilean Merlot." It is estimated that 50% of what was thought Merlot was actually the Carmenere grape. It wasn't until 1994 this situation changed when French ampelographer Jean Michel Boursiquot identified this late-ripening Merlot clone as Carmenere. From then on, under its actual name, Carmenere burst upon the Chilean and world wine scene. What was an old Bordeaux varietal, thought extinct everywhere in the world, now reappears in Chile less than thirty years ago due to identity confusion. You can't make this stuff up.

Due to its rise in popularity for Chile Carmenere, plantings are starting to sprout up elsewhere. Chateau Pontensac and Chateau Brane Cantenac add small portions in the final blend. There is a tine estate in the Medoc called Chateau Carmenere, producing 100% varietal wine and more plantings in Southern France. Small amounts of Carmenere are slowly being added to vineyards in Italy, New Zealand, Walla Walla in Washington, and to a lesser extent, California. Still, 80% of all Carmenere is found in Chile.

Montes was founded in 1987 by winemaker Aurelio Montes and wine trade stalwart Douglas Murray and became one of the first wineries to exploit the hillsides to make premium Chilean wine in the Apalta Valley. It was also the first winery to cultivate Syrah in Colchagua. The winery does not use pumps and is built around gravity transfer, while the entire design is based on the Chinese concept of feng shui. The semi-circular cellar houses up to 800 new French oak barrels are treated with Gregorian chants while they mature the wine. Montes was the first Chilean winery to market truly premium quality wines to the world, first with Cabernet and Bordeaux blends as well as Chardonnay. In 2005 they released the first super premium Carmenère, dubbed Purple Angel.

Colchagua is one of the Chilean wine valleys with international prestige, and Viña Montes was a pioneer in establishing production there. This valley is located in the central zone of Chile, less than two hours drive from its capital, Santiago. Montes vineyards are located in one of the best terroirs in the area, Apalta. Its unique characteristics and location allow mild exposure to the sun for the vines, which contributes to a slow, more complete maturation of the grapes.

The first premium Carmenère from Chile, Purple Angel, was launched in May 2005. Again, the wines were lauded with praise and critical acclaim from the wine press and loyal fans of Montes' wines alike. Besides outstanding quality wines and innovative wine growing and winemaking practices, Montes has grown its presence internationally. Without foreign investment or consulting winemakers, making Montes a truly Chilean success story.

Purple Angel denotes Montes' rise to global status. Since its release in 2005, its popularity has put this 100% Chilean-owned and operated brand on the international map. It is both bold and approachable, ready now and age able. Purple Angel is composed of 92% Carmenere and 8% Petit Verdot sourced from the Finca de Apalta and El Arcángel de Marchigüe estate vineyards located in the Colchagua Valley. The soils are of granitic origin, vary in texture, and are notable for the presence of different fluvial and glacial stones.

Purple Angel has risen to almost cult status. Wine writers have labeled it the "Best Carmenere" from Chile and indeed the world. James Suckling has awarded the last eight vintages of Purple Angel an average of 98 pts. To review, one of the best-growing regions in Chile, world-renowned owner/winemaker, low yielding meticulously maintained vineyards, 18 months oak aging, a wine that is drinkable now but can age 10 years or better. Of course, it is all subjective, you will have to be the judge, but I would say this has all the earmarks of "The Best Carmenere."

This new vintage of our Purple Angel has all of the character and complexity we are accustomed to. With an intense and deep carmine-red color, the wine delivers a pool of fresh fruit aromas, such as blackberry, blueberry, red plum, and ripe cherry. There are also bakery, candied, and subtle spice notes that mix well with the aromas from the French oak, including balanced toast, vanilla, and mocha. The palate is balanced and vibrant, with complex body and extremely smooth tannins.

Natalie McLean referred to Purple Angle: "There is a reason for this Chilean wine to become a cult one; Purple Angel will make you feel as if you have gone to heaven in a cloud of sensory pleasure."

Consistently one of the best and most layered carmeneres from Chile and, indeed, the world. Intriguing Cuban cigar and roasted bay-leaf character to the blackcurrants, blackberries, and exotic spices. Some sandalwood, black chocolate, cedar, and baked red chili pepper, too. Full-bodied, creamy, and voluptuous, but still fresh and juicy, with dried-leaf, dark-olive, and finely ground cocoa powder character. Dusty tannins and a long, refined finish. A blend of 92% carmenere from Apalta (46%) and Marchigue(46%) and 8% petit verdot from Apalta. Drink or hold. James Suckling 98 pts (98 pt average over last eight years)

Continuing the stylistic shift that has been apparent since the watershed 2016 release, this is another delicious, well-balanced Purple Angel with only 80% new wood and more freshness and focus than in the past. Spicy, polished, and harmonious with black cherry and blueberry fruit, scented oak, and hints of graphite and capsicum. Tim Atkin 96 pts

The 2019 Carmenere Purple Angel is also 8% Petite Verdot from Colchagua and was 80% aged in new barrels for 18 months. Intense purple in color. The nose offers notes of ash, pyrazine, ripe plum, cedar, and other aromas from the aging process. Creamy and intense with refined tannins and a broad, hefty flow, the moderate freshness adds a touch of juice. A long-lasting wine with a clear profile. Drinking window 2022 - 2034 Vinous 94pts

Montes Purple Angel 2019

We were very excited to taste the Montes Purple Angle 2019, mainly because we don't often get to taste what is considered by most the best in its category. The wine pours a dense black purple into the glass. Aromas of dark berries, tar, and spice waft from the glass. In the mouth, big flavors of ripe plum, olive, dark chocolate, pepper, and pyrazine. Silky texture, with balanced tannins and acid. A polished, well-made wine, as you would expect from the leading Carmenere from Chile. The perfect gift for that wine geek on your list that constantly talks about his fantastic cellar or a wine lover you actually like.

Regular Price: $89.99

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I want to thank you for a great year of wine offers we had here at Yankee Spirits. Due to the holidays' mania and getting ready for our annual inventory counting, this will be my last offer until the beginning of February. Till then, have a very happy Christmas, Hannukkah, Kwanzaa, and Festivus, for the rest of us. As always, thank you for reading, and stay safe and healthy.

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