Country: Chile  Region: Colchagua Valley  Vintage: 2014 Category: Red Wine  Color:  Red Producer: Montes The fact that the 'Classic Series' is Montes' entry point says a lot about this estate. The wines are all from their own vineyards, and from different appellations. And what appellations! The reds are all from Colchagua, while the Sauvignon is from cooler Casablanca. All are hand-picked to ensure a first selection in the vineyard. The Sauvignon Blanc is made in a fresh, unoaked style which highlights the pristine fruit. Richer on the palate, the Chardonnay is 60% fermented in oak, and half the blend goes through malolactic fermentation. This gives a texture and complexity seldom found in Chardonnay at this price. The Merlot from Colchagua is aged for six months in American oak and has 15% of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Both add complexity to the plummy, exuberant fruit that makes this wine so appealing. Both the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Malbec are also from Colchagua, and display the depth of colour and flavour that this region lends to its red wines. These wines offer outstanding quality for the price. Winemaker: Aurelio Montes Baseden Vineyards: The Malbec grapes come from the Colchagua Valley renowned for making excellent red wines. In Colchagua, the moderating breezes from the ocean slows ripening allowing the wines to achieve perfect ripeness. Cool nights help retain acidity giving freshness to the wines. All grapes were hand harvested. Vinification: The grapes were cold soaked at 10°c for five days to extract aroma and colour. After that, the grapes were fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks for 12 days and then kept on their skins to give structure and colour. After malolactic fermentation, 45% of the final blend was aged in French oak barrels (25% new, the rest second fill) for eight months to add complexity and roundness to the wine. Tasting Notes: Aromas of ripe red and black fruits dominate on the nose, accompanied by an elegant floral note. Aromas of sweet spices that recall vanilla and notes of cherries in syrup pair very well with the aromas of butterscotch and mocha from the French oak that also lends a sweet sensation on the palate. Rich acidity balances this excellent wine with medium body and rounded tannins that deliver a persistent finish. Closure: Natural Cork  ABV:13.5%  Acidity [g/l]: 3.41