97 points Tim Atkin, MW: "For me, this is the best Purple Angel since 2016, another cooler, fresher vintage in Chile. Partnering Carmenère and 8% Petit Verdot, with equal parts of the blend from Apalta and Marchigüe, this has plenty of graphite and tarragon on the nose, supple, granular tannins, layers of coffee bean, chocolate and black cherry and a balanced, nuanced finish. A wine that doesn’t seem to be trying too hard to impress you. Delicious. 2027-2035. (2025)."
97 points James Suckling: "Terrific aromas of black fruit and blackcurrants with dried spices such as thyme, rosemary and oregano. Notes of dried figs, tomato leaves and blackberry leaves. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are polished and so attractive. Refined and caressing in the finish. Structured tannins at the end. Very drinkable and enjoyable now. Slightly low alcohol this year. Why wait? (02/12/24)."
94 points Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous): "The 2021 Carménère Purple Angel also includes 8% Petit Verdot, sourced from a small plot called Block 1 in the winery’s Apalta vineyard. Aged for up to 18 months in French oak barrels, 70% of which are new, this dark purple wine reveals hints of ash, red bell pepper and violets against a backdrop of cedar. Indulgent, rich and overwhelming on the palate, the fine, reactive tannins and velvety texture linger with a slightly juicy mouthfeel. The cold 2021 year resulted in a palate that is slightly lighter compared to other years. Drink 2024-2034. (07/24)."
94 points Wine Spectator: "This rather muscular red opens with elegance and grace, offering peppery floral details that meld with baking spice, sage and vanilla bean aromas before giving way to a concentrated core of mineral-accented berry and damson plum flavors that build richness as they make their way to the finish line, stretching out around firming tannins and a late echo of coffee bean. Carmenère and Petit Verdot. Best from 2026 through 2034. 160,000 cases made, 2,300 cases imported. (11/30/24)."
93 points Jesica Vargas (Wine Enthusiast) "The 2021 vintage of this opulent red from the renowned Apalta Valley shows freshness and lots of fruit. A nose of baked berries brings to mind delicious notes of cranberry pie. Flavors of mulberries, blackberries and raspberries merge with integrated wood spices and Carménère's signature notes of herbs in the background. The wine's muscular structure suggests it will age wonderfully. Drink now through 2031. (03/01/25)."
92 points Matthew Luczy (Wine Advocate): "The 2021 Purple Angel consists of 92% Carménère and 8% Petit Verdot, sourced from the Apalta and Machigüe estates in roughly equal parts and aged for 18 months in 70% new oak. It presents a tarry, spice-driven bouquet that evolves into resinous, herbal aromas with aeration. The palate is strikingly ripe and has a voluptuous texture, concluding with a sweet, luscious finish infused with oak. While it's undeniable that this is a truly massive wine, it remarkably maintains a sense of balance. Drink 2024-2031. (03/13/25)."
97 points James Suckling: "Terrific aromas of black fruit and blackcurrants with dried spices such as thyme, rosemary and oregano. Notes of dried figs, tomato leaves and blackberry leaves. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are polished and so attractive. Refined and caressing in the finish. Structured tannins at the end. Very drinkable and enjoyable now. Slightly low alcohol this year. Why wait? (02/12/24)."
94 points Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous): "The 2021 Carménère Purple Angel also includes 8% Petit Verdot, sourced from a small plot called Block 1 in the winery’s Apalta vineyard. Aged for up to 18 months in French oak barrels, 70% of which are new, this dark purple wine reveals hints of ash, red bell pepper and violets against a backdrop of cedar. Indulgent, rich and overwhelming on the palate, the fine, reactive tannins and velvety texture linger with a slightly juicy mouthfeel. The cold 2021 year resulted in a palate that is slightly lighter compared to other years. Drink 2024-2034. (07/24)."
94 points Wine Spectator: "This rather muscular red opens with elegance and grace, offering peppery floral details that meld with baking spice, sage and vanilla bean aromas before giving way to a concentrated core of mineral-accented berry and damson plum flavors that build richness as they make their way to the finish line, stretching out around firming tannins and a late echo of coffee bean. Carmenère and Petit Verdot. Best from 2026 through 2034. 160,000 cases made, 2,300 cases imported. (11/30/24)."
93 points Jesica Vargas (Wine Enthusiast) "The 2021 vintage of this opulent red from the renowned Apalta Valley shows freshness and lots of fruit. A nose of baked berries brings to mind delicious notes of cranberry pie. Flavors of mulberries, blackberries and raspberries merge with integrated wood spices and Carménère's signature notes of herbs in the background. The wine's muscular structure suggests it will age wonderfully. Drink now through 2031. (03/01/25)."
92 points Matthew Luczy (Wine Advocate): "The 2021 Purple Angel consists of 92% Carménère and 8% Petit Verdot, sourced from the Apalta and Machigüe estates in roughly equal parts and aged for 18 months in 70% new oak. It presents a tarry, spice-driven bouquet that evolves into resinous, herbal aromas with aeration. The palate is strikingly ripe and has a voluptuous texture, concluding with a sweet, luscious finish infused with oak. While it's undeniable that this is a truly massive wine, it remarkably maintains a sense of balance. Drink 2024-2031. (03/13/25)."
| Product SKU | 354109 |
| Producer | Montes |
| Country | Chile |
| Region | Central Valley |
| SubRegion | Colchagua Valley |
| Varietal | Carménère |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| Blend | 92% Carménère and 8% Petit Verdot, |
| ABV | 14.5% |
| Ships To |
