Purple Angel by Montes - Carmenere and Petit Verdot - Chile

Overview: The vineyards that produce our Purple Angel are located in Finca de Apalta and El Arcángel de Marchigüe estates in the Colchagua Valley. Here, the soils are of granitic origin and vary in clay content, amount of organic matter, depth, and especially in types of fluvial and glacial stones, reflecting the tremendous diversity of soils in our vineyards. Apalta has heterogeneous soils with some parcels highly influenced by the nearby Tinguiririca River and others that are the product of floods and erosion from the mountains high above. Soils tend to be deep on the plain and shallower at the foot of the mountains and in the higher slopes. The Carmenère vineyards for Purple Angel are optimally planted in flatter zones, where the soil is deeper and moisture retention is moderate. Marchigüe is flatter, with lower hills and moderate slopes. Its soils are shallow -in some areas no more than 60 cm- with medium clay content and a high capacity for water retention. The Carmenère vineyards for Purple Angel are located in the flatter zones and are planted at a density of 5,555 plants/hectare (2,250/acre) and are Double Guyot-trained for a yield of approximately 3.5-4.0 tons/hectare (1.4–1.6 tons/acre). The leaves closest to the fruit were vigorously pulled in early January to leave the grapes completely exposed, which allowed us to achieve even ripening, and more importantly, to reduce the amount of bell-pepper character pyrazines.

Tasting Notes: With this new vintage, Purple Angel shows a deep, carmine-red colour, typical of Carmenère. The aromas are complex, with pronounced black fruit, like blackberry and ripe blueberry. There is also dried plum, cooked cherry and candied fruit. Its 18 months in French oak gives a complex nose of toasted aromas, nuts, sweet spice and touches of dairy and vanilla. On the palate, the flavours follow on from the aromas, with sensations of dark fruit and dairy well balanced with the toast. It is finely balanced, with good body and a long finish.

Pairing: Lamb Chops with Rosemary, Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs

Points: 98 pts, James Suckling 96 pts KE, 92 pts Vinous

Format / ABV: 750 ml / 13.5

In certain circumstances, a specific vintage may not be available. If this is the case, a comparable vintage of the same wine will be substituted for online orders. If shopping in store, please check the bottle for the appropriate vintage. If you have a question about a specific vintage that is in stock please email wine@kegnbottle.com