The 2006 Alpha Pinot Noir, the first vintage for this wine, sourced from the cool-climate Leyda Valley, a region which seems to have an affinity for Pinot Noir. The wine spent 12 months in French oak which expresses itself in the attractive, toasty, smoky, cherry and black raspberry aromatics. Smooth-textured, with excellent depth and layers of flavor, this nicely concentrated, tasty Pinot should provide pleasure for another 6 years. 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

Elegant and fresh, with a nice mix of red and black cherry fruit intertwined with hints of mocha and mineral. Soft, lingering finish. Drink now. 6,000 cases made. -JM

If you like a ton of oak, then this may be up your alley. Early aromas of tea and cherry quickly step aside as heavy, toasted wood notes take over. The palate is full and round, with weight, thickness and heavy berry and chocolate flavors. There’s some Pinot character here, but put it on the scale and it’s going to weigh out on the heavy side. To our taste, it’s very New World and clumsy.——M.S.(11/15/2008)—— 86