Montes Star Angel Syrah – Heavenly

100% Syrah from Paso Robles, California.
SRP of $25 and available for as low as $17. Sample submitted for review. 5,338 cases produced.

From the bottle:

“Angels have always been our inspiration, hence the name. Angels have always guided us and, we are convinced, contribute to bring our wines to your table, for your enjoyment.

Aurelio Montes, Chile’s pioneering modern winemaker, continually explores the world for exceptional vineyard sites to produce wines under the Montes label. Created in 1987 Montes Winery is perhaps best known for Montes Alpha and Alpha M wines. In 2002 Montes started Kaiken wines from Argentina and Napa Angel from California in 2006. As the foremost Syrah producer in Chile, Aurelio felt an instant attraction to the Paso Robles region in Southern California where this grape grows magnificently.

Aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, Montes StarAngel is ruby red in color with a harmonious balance of lively red fruit and hints of oak. Notes of strawberries and blackberry marmalade evolve into an elegant, distinctive smokiness on the nose with a long, velvety finish. This wine can be enjoyed now or aged for over 7 years. Ideal food pairings include steak, game and hearty pastas. Decanting is recommended. Serve at 63-66F.

15% Alcohol”

The nose on the 2008 Star Angel by Montes Syrah grabs you as soon as you open the bottle. Its strong, enticing aroma is filled with blackberry, black cherry, prunes, cola, licorice and spice. Tasting reveals dark, juicy fruit; plenty of spice and black pepper; and a hint of smoke just like a good Syrah should have. This medium to full-bodied wine also has a very smooth texture and despite the 15% alcohol there’s not even a hint of heat. It ends with prune and raisin notes plus oaky spice (from 12 months in French oak barrels) on the long, dry finish. In this wine we have a Chilean making a delicious Northern Rhone like Syrah in Paso Robles — we truly are living in a global economy!

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.

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