Montes, Colchagua Valley (Chile) 2010

With their “M” bottling, which they don’t produce every year, Montes has consistently demonstrated the heights that Chilean red Bordeaux blends can achieve.  Indeed, the M could stand for “marvelous” or “magnificent.”  It explodes on the palate delivering dense ripe and savory components that play off beautifully against one another.  It’s a powerful wine, to be sure, but it’s not overdone, carrying its 14.5% stated alcohol nicely.  Firm tannins lend appropriate support without being intrusive.  Those who love intense Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends could enjoy it now with a hearty beef dish, but I think its grandeur will really show with five or more years of cellaring.