Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2018

Briary plum and red berry aromas come with side notes of tea, wood spice, savory herbs and iron. On the palate, this is a touch thick and resiny, but healthy acidity cuts through the wine's natural ripeness. Spiced plum flavors are a touch oaky, while this is dry and firmly tannic on a finish where complex notes of salt, tomato and black tea surface.

Delicate, with dried cherry and berry flavors matched to savory nuances in this medium-bodied style. Cinnamon and spice notes show on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 7,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.

Aconcagua Costa makes this cloned Pinot Noir (777), harvested in mid-March with one-third whole bunches and one-third frozen grapes. Fairly light red in color. The nose is dominated by cherries and strawberries over a bed of herbs and damp earth. Luxurious (3.22 grams of sugar) with balanced freshness and mellow tannins.