At a glance

Producer

Montes

Region

Colchagua Valley, Chile

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$10-$18 USD (as of 2024, secondary market/auction price for mature bottles)

Tasting profile

Dried red and black fruit, hints of tobacco and earth, some herbal notes, subtle oak; diminished freshness.

Evolution: Started vibrant, with ripe cassis and plum, vanilla oak, and green pepper. Now showing tertiary development: leather, dry earth, fading fruit.

At peak: At its best 2016-2018 with robust fruit and balance; currently fragrant but fragile, primarily tertiary.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to medium-low; sufficient for earlier aging but fading.

Tannins

Soft, polished tannins; originally present but now fully resolved.

Alcohol

13.5%-14%, typical for Chilean Cabernet

Aging potential

Intended for early consumption; 7-10 years at best. 2012 vintage is fading but drinkable.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2016 to 2018

Optimal window

2014 to 2020

Current status

Past peak or near end of optimal window. Best consumed now.

Current condition

Integrated, tertiary notes beginning; should be consumed soon to enjoy remaining fruit.

Wines from the Montes Classic Series are designed for young drinking and moderate cellaring. The 2012 vintage, now 12 years old, is past prime but can offer developed, mellowed flavors if stored correctly.

Food pairing

Grilled meats, mature cheeses, hearty stews; ideal as a mature red with braised beef or lamb.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Energy use reductions at Montes winery with solar panels, gravity-flow winery (reduced energy), water conservation (recycled water). Native flora restoration on estate. Lightweight bottles introduced after 2011, eco-friendly packaging.

Montes is recognized regionally for pioneering sustainability in Chile, incorporating renewable energy and resource management since late 2000s. No organic or biodynamic certification for this tier/vintage, but good water, packaging, and biodiversity practices. Wine’s carbon footprint is higher for non-local markets due to maritime export, though actions like light bottles partially mitigate this. Overall above average sustainability for a large producer in this segment.