Montes tasting (Chile)

[Innkeeper]

2003 Montes, Reserve, Oak Aged, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley ($10 The Clown Belfast). Alcohol level 13.5%. This was one of three value Cabs and three Chards (all oak bombs) featured at The Clown tasting last week. Bought the three Cabs. It was kind of an unusual tasting for The Clown. It opened last year as an upscale alternative to the value oriented Belfast Coop around the corner. Now it looks like they are going head to head with them, although they still carry a lot of upscale stuff.

This is one of the best offerings of any kind from Chile that we have had in a looong time. Beautiful rich ruby red to the eye. On the nose it showed some varietal character with black currents and other fruit, but there was still some South American spiciness that we actually like. Across the palate it showed much more fruit that oak, but was just a tad astringent. We think that will almost certainly smooth out with a little more age. It rang a bell or two on the finish.

We matched it with leftover Beef Bourgondien. Like most stews, it was better the second time around. Had to go to a library meeting tonight, so warmed it up very slowly in a double boiler. It was perfect with salad in blue cheese dressing. The wine loved it, and we loved everything