Why it matters
The producer
The winery was formally founded in 1988 under the name Discover Wines. Montes introduced Syrah to Chile in 1993.
Aurelio Montes Jr now heads the winemaking team in Apalta. Montes wines are sold in more than 100 countries, while the producer owns vineyards in Zapallar, Apalta and Marchigüe.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Pacific maritime influence gives Aconcagua Costa cool conditions for vine growth. Montes has vines in the new Zapallar D.O. within Aconcagua Costa and is the only winery with vines planted there.
The producer's other vineyards include Apalta and Marchigüe. Its Apalta winery is in Colchagua Valley, where grapes, must and young wine move through production by gravity.
Wines to know
The range in view
The wines include Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère led red blends. Purple Angel 2020 combines 92% Carmenère with 8% Petit Verdot, bringing two grape varieties together in one bottle.
Purple Angel 2020 opens with ripe blackberry, plum and blueberry aromas. Its palate brings black and blue fruit, sweet spice, pink pepper, coffee and tobacco. The wine is balanced and silky, with a caramel like body and a very long finish. It is fleshy and concentrated, with fine grained tannins extending into a creamy finish, and drinks better from 2025.