This is an amazing wine for under $20. Introduced me to a new varietal that reminds me of my other favourites like Syrah, Shiraz and Malbec. If you're looking for a heavy fruit nose, full mouth feel and rich wine this is an excellent introduction to Carmenere. Finish is too short but only because you enjoy the first part so much.
The 2008 Montes Alpha Carmenère is medium to full bodied with integrated, nicely aromatic red currant, cherry, prune, cedar, green pepper and coconut notes. Tannins are refined (decant for 30 min) and the finish is smooth and long. Despite being good to drink now, this wine should be aged a bit as it will nicely evolve for the next 8-10 years. My impression: BEAUTIFUL, 91 pts - a recommended buy. Tasted Feb/11.
If you would like to see wines I recommend and that are still available at the LCBO, please visit this link (listed in my profile):
http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy
Definitely, a delicious wine.
Rich and oaky -- a good way to put it.
Needed to breath for an hour and it opened up really well. No sign of colour change and still fruit and mellow tannins