Sixty percent of the 2006 Alpha Chardonnay was aged in barrel and 20-30% went through malolactic fermentation. Medium straw-colored, its nose delivers an attractive perfume of apple, pear, and a touch of oak. On the palate the oak is totally integrated. This is accompanied by a smooth-textured wine with plenty of ripe fruit, good balance, and a lengthy finish. It is an excellent value in quality Chardonnay. Under the enlightened leadership of Aurelio Montes, the Montes winery remains one of the standard-bearers for Chilean wines. The Carmenere-based Purple Angel is one of the two or three best of its type; the Folly is arguably Chile’s finest Syrah, and the Montes Alpha M one of the Cabernet-based icons.Importer: TGIC, Woodland Hills, CA; tel. (800) 924-0300

A ripe, showy style, with pear, fig and melon notes backed by alluring toast. Lively acidity keeps this honest through the lengthy, butter-tinged finish. Drink now. 20,000 cases made.??–JM??Region: Chile / Aconcagua / Casablanca Valley Select to Add

Most 2006 Chilean Chardonnays are past their prime, but Montes Alpha still shows vitality along with rich aromas and flavors of pear, banana and barrel-driven toast. The feel is smooth and pure, while the flavors run straight to ripe apple, banana nut bread and buttered toast. Firm and holding steady on the finish, although it’s probably best to drink immediately while the wine is still kicking.——M.S.(5/1/2009)—— 89