Today I am tasting the 2007 Montes Alpha Syrah from Colchagua Valley region of Chile. In the past this has been a blend of primarily Syrah with a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier added. Do you know the percentage for this vintage? The Alpha line from Vina Montes has historically been one of the top premium Chilean wines. This one is usually available for under $16.
Color
In the glass it is very dark with black shade of purple.
Aroma
Loads of black currant on the nose. It is deep dark berries galore with some blackberry as well. There is also some Eucalyptus at the end. Very big nose characteristic of a powerful wine.
Flavor
The attack is full of blackberry. It is excellent quality fruit and without the sweet sugary nature of some lesser wines. The mid-palate shows more good dark fruit such as black currant, blackberry and some black cherry components. There is also a little bit of an earthy, chalky component. Then the finish lingers really long with black pepper and a smoky component. The tannins are solid as well. This is a big wine but not what I would call a fruit bomb. It is well balanced and the fruit is intense without being sweet. This will pair beautifully with steak.
Rating
I like this wine and think it is a great match for my palate. It has the dark fruit combined with black pepper spiciness that I like in a Syrah. I recommend trying it and rate it 92 points. Have you had it?
