Montes Purple Angel 2019

Consistently one of the best and most layered carmeneres from Chile and, indeed, the world. Intriguing Cuban cigar and roasted bay-leaf character to the blackcurrants, blackberries and exotic spices. Some sandalwood, black chocolate, cedar and baked red chili pepper, too. Full-bodied, creamy and voluptuous, but still fresh and juicy, with dried-leaf, dark-olive and finely ground cocoa-powder character. Dusty tannins and a long, refined finish. A blend of 92% carmenere from Apalta (46%) and Marchigue(46%) and 8% petit verdot from Apalta. Drink or hold.

Opens with elegant details of plumeria and wet stone that fold over onto the palate, where lively acidity drives the clove-accented red currant and raspberry flavors, adding touches of vanilla bean and bakers chocolate that persist and echo back the core flavors around fine tannins. Carmenere and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2028. 16,500 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.