Viña MontGras 2012 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon - 86pts

Viña MontGras 2012 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley) Chile

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $15
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: February 3rd, 2014

Tasting Notes: As mass-market, mass-production, Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon go, the MontGras Reserva is pretty good. A nice balance of trendy, sweet berry fruit and more serious, yet, smooth-ish tannins and earthy-notes keeps this high-value Cabernet from slipping fully into the Apothic Red abyss of bottled jam that today passes for red wine.

Baked cassis and boysenberry meets field-berry acidity meets light mineral and charred oak. Finish is short and a bit sharp, but otherwise, a fine effort for the price. Drink 2014-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Viña MontGras 2009 Antu Syrah - 88-89pts

Viña MontGras 2009 Antu Syrah (Colchagua Valley) Chile

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $21.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: March 23rd, 2012

Tasting Notes: Produced from fruit grown in the Ninquén Mountain Vineyard, Chile's first high altitude vineyard. The style is a close match to the Syrah made in the Okanagan: a nice blend of New World fruit and Old World terroir without the over ripeness from too much heat and extraction. Well balanced with good complexity and concentration for the price with a tasty spectrum of dark and red fruits on display. Has the tannins and acid to age well, should you care to wait, but is drinking beautifully now. Drink 2012-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca