Senel Wine’s 2011 Wine of the Year!

2011 Wine of the Year!

2007 Montes, Purple Angel, Carmenère, Rapel (Colchagua Valley, Chile) $55

Ranking point total 8.5 (1/2.5/5)

And now, for your adoration, my favorite wine of 2011!

Chilean wines on the high-end are something to behold. Last year, one of the best wines I had was from Casa Lapostolle (in fact it was the Clos Apalta that was last years #6 wine). That wine came from their Clos Apalta vineyards, so it should be of no surprise that that same area of Apalta has produced another prodigious gem. Montes have only been making wines since 1987; however since the beginning, they’ve been wowing critics and consumers alike, especially those who have been lucky enough to enjoy their Alpha M. This year, it wasn’t their Bordeaux blend that captivated me, but rather a 92% Carmenère 8% Petit Verdot virtuoso. 

The ’07 Purple Angel had me at hello. Literally the deepest violet I’ve experienced in a wine, it sent a message that it was going to put on a show. Aromas of dark fruit, chocolate, cinnamon, cigar box and mellow black pepper seductively lured you in for that first sip. Flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, vanilla and spice make sure that there’s no let down in taste after the aroma’s promise. Fabulous structure, round tannin and well-proportioned fruit acid provide seamless grace that lingers in a long finish. Sexy…simply put. 

Senel Wine – 96 pts

For more on how the Top 10 was selected, read Senel Wine’s Top 10 of 2011. Cheers!

To purchase a bottle of this wine, click on the image of the bottle above, or visit the winery website for more details.