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Montes Classic Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

The current wine sale at my local Costco (Greenville SC) includes the Montes Classic Series 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (on sale for $6.99).  A few years ago, I bought Montes Classic Cabernet Sauvignon on a regular basis and found it to be a great wine for a moderate price.  However, the more recent vintages have not lived up to my expectations and I found better value elsewhere.  When I found this wine at this low price, I had to give it another try.

Montes Classic Series Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Colchagua Valley of Chile.  This region is the southwestern half of the Rapel Valley, east of the coastal mountains and west of the Andes Mountains.  It is a region with a Mediterranean climate that has a cooling influence from the Pacific Ocean.  World class Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Syrah are grown in this valley.

This wine is composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot.  45% of the wine is aged in French oak barrels for 8 months.  The wine has an alcohol content of 13.5%.

I initially bought 2 bottles of this wine.  The first was terrific, especially after it was opened for an hour.  It reminded me why I used to buy this wine regularly.  The second bottle was very different and reminded me why I stopped buying this wine.  I could not write something about the wine on this blog since the two bottles were so different.  The only thing I could do was go buy some more!  After careful research, I have concluded that the first bottle is the best representative of this wine and I can recommend it to you.  The description below is based on that research.  My research assistant, aka Cindy, agrees with my conclusions.

When I first opened the bottle, I could detect the aroma from a foot away.  I knew I would enjoy the wine.  The flavors were black cherry, blackberry and a hint of vanilla.  The finish was reasonably smooth and long lasting.  I like it and will continue to buy this wine on sale for $6.99 and will likely buy it after the sale for an additional $2. 

SC Wine Joe rating = 89 points




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