Inexpensive 2006 Montes Alpha Syrah a pleasant surprise

WINE TALK
1

When I buy and cellar premium wines my expectation is to be rewarded with an excellent bottle down the road. What does not happen very often is to have a wine that you bought as a daily drinker become a major league player.

Back in 2009 I bought 4 of the 2006 Montes Alpha Syrah for daily drinkers. I bought them at Costco for $18.99. The bottle that I drank in 2013 was pretty much as expected… good but nothing special. But the last two bottles have been unexpectedly amazing. Goes to show that a careful buyer can drink pretty well on a tight budget.

2006 Montes Syrah Alpha - Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley (12/5/2020)
Not too often that a $20 bottle of wine performs at this level. PnP and drank with a braised pork shoulder dinner. The berry fruit in this wine was pure and very concentrated. Secondary flavors of earth and herbs. I have drank a lot of $100 bottles that would have to look up to this beauty. Still one more in the cellar to have next year. Drink or Hold. (95 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

2

It’s always nice to find a gem like that. Was a big fan of Montes Alpha, haven’t had one in a while. Not sure why I stopped? May have to source some out and try again. Thanks for the nice note.

3

An inexpensive wine that unexpectedly ages well is a total delight, perhaps even more than an expensive one that does the same.

4

Just an awesome note! LOVE it when a wine unexpectedly over-performs like that!

Side note…I totally remember buying that same wine at Costco years ago. [cheers.gif]

5

Thanks for the note and reminder. I have had a few of these in the past as I used to get these in South Florida at very good prices. I am going to seek one out and revisit.

6

I recently bought 22 bottles of Pinot Noir <$20 and tried through them with my wife.

As folks know, this is a tough price point for Pinot Noir.

The Montes Aloha was one of the better performers. I rated it 87, which is pretty good for a ~$15 Pinot Noir.

Will pick up some more. No idea how well it will age and don’t plan on doing so.

7

I recommend you to try Montes Alpha M if you like their Syrah!