Montes, Valle de Colchagua (Rapel Valley, Chile) 2017

 Italy may have its Super Tuscan wine, but at Chile’s Montes Winery Purple Angel is considered their “Super Carmènere.”   It is indeed a super wine with a rich, deep, dark ruby color with aromas of dark ripe fruit; blackberries, blueberries, plums, cherries and a hint of black currants from the eight percent of Cabernet Franc, mingling with aromas of vanilla and toasted nuts.  It is rich, round and textured on the palate with flavors of the black fruits layered with dried wood spices, vanilla and toasted nuts.  Tannins are ripe, velvety and integrated resulting in a seamless wine.   It is worthy of a bit of contemplation and meditation by a roaring fire.  However, its best place is on the table with a perfectly seared cut of beef or lamb chops.  The grapes are from vineyards in the Marchigüe and Apalta areas of the Colchagua Valley.  The Montes winery is nestled in the in the half-moon shaped Apalta Valley.  I had the privilege of visiting Montes in 2005.