Montes Classic Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Moderately rich- and ripe-tasting, with concentrated dried raspberry flavors that show hints of sumac, followed by accents of dried tarragon on the finish. Drink now. 170,000 cases made, 17,400 cases imported.

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Montes Classic Series is blended with 15% Merlot from the Colchagua Valley, and 45% spent eight months in used French barrels. Very typical of the varietal in this price range in Chile, it is a purplish-garnet in color with a nose of red jam, cassis, and balsamic notes. Simple, indulgent and juicy on the palate; the oak returns during the lingering finish.

Gritty aromas of hard spices, maduro tobacco, clove and eucalyptus don't leave much room for fruit. On the palate, this is compact and tannic, with grainy oak. Dominant flavors of clove and cinnamon are oak-based and forced, while this continues to tastes like clove and oak spice through the finish. Nothing seems natural or easy about this overoaked Cab.