智利第一葡萄酒庄园MontesNews6

Last December Viña Montes inaugurated themost technically advanced winery in Apalta,Colchagua Valley. With an investment of $6.5million and capacity for 1.5000.000 liters, thiswinery represents a qualitative leap in theproduction of Viña Montes‚ most acclaimedreds. Montes Alpha, the ultrapremiumMontes Alpha M and Montes Folly, plusthe recently launched Purple Angel. This isthe most modern winery in terms of technicalequipment and design, and it is capable ofproducing the best wines in Chile.(Continued on Page 3)

February, 2004

WINE SPECTATOR, USA

94 POINTSGREAT SCORESMontes Alpha M 2001

Our Montes Alpha M 2001 has attained theextraordinary score of 94 points in WineSpectator magazine, plus a “HighlyRecommended” accolade from that samesource. It reads: “Cut like a fine suit, theblackcurrant, black cherry and blackberry fruitdrapes the palate, while an impressive array of espresso, mineral, sanguine, fig and black tea

notes are stitched seamlessly together.Long, detailed finish. A graceful renditionthat is approachable now, but should agebeautifully. (JM).”

Last December, Montes Folly 2002 got 91Points from Wine Spectator: “Impressivedepth and concentration for an ‘02, with adense core of blackcurrant, black cherry andblackberry followed by licorice, spice and loam notes. There’s also a wall of toast around it all,which may be a bit too much for the fruit toovercome in the long run. An admirableeffort, nonetheless. Syrah. (JM)”.

OUR NEW WINERYIS ALL THE RAGE IN THE VALLEY OF APALTA

6 AN ANGELIC PUBLICATION, FROM CHILE WITH PRIDENews

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1 0 1. Alex Guarachi (TGIC, USA).

2. Jürg Reinger, (Haecky Drinks, Switzerland).

3. Special friends from around the world.

4. Johnny Chan (China).

5. Douglas Murray, Anna and Ralph Steadman.

6. Inauguration.

7. Marsha J. Palanci (Cornerstone, USA).

8. Mr. and Mrs. Ciro de Campos Lilla (Mistral, Brazil) and

Sonia Montanares.

9. Börkür Arnason (Iceland).

10. Dmitry Pinsky and Igor Davtian (DP Trade, Russia).

COLCHAGUA VALLEY OUR NEW WINERY

INAUGURATION IN APALTA

DECEMBER 2004

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(Continued from Page 1)

In Spanish, the term “bodega” is generallyassociated with a place where one stores andkeeps products. But in the case of a winery,bodega is equated to the making of wine.That is to say where one makes and storeswine. As Executive Director Alfredo Vidaurreexplains, “to make good wines, you need tohave good bodegas”. With that in mind, justover a year ago, we began the construction ofour new bodega on the Apalta property. Across-cultural team effort with the SouthAfrican firm named Technique Trading,responsible for the conceptual engineering,the local Poch Asociados carrying out the basicengineering, Chilean architect Samuel Claro,of the studio “Claro y Swinburn”, which hasample experience in designing andremodelling wineries, executing the design,and landscape architect Adriana Edwardstaking care of the exterior, which includes alagoon, parks and gardens.

FROM NEWTON TO FENG SHUINot to be overlooked, however, was thecontribution of our partners here at ViñaMontes: Winemaker Aurelio Montes,responsible for all technical aspects of the newwinery, visited twenty of the best wineries inCalifornia’s Napa Valley and toured Australia,the land of grand avances in the industry.Alfredo Vidaurre, for his part, coordinated theinterior design with designer Paula Gutiérrez.Douglas Murray, who manages internationalsales at the winery, collaborated with FengShui expert Silvia Galleguillos to assure that allthe basic elements –water, air, metal, wood,etc.– were incorporated into the design andposition in adherence to the Asian discipline toencourage harmony and a positiveatmosphere.

February 2, 2005

WINE SPECTATORBefore construction began, the team gatheredat the site, poured wine into ceremonialdecanters, rang bells and prayed for success.The wine was then poured onto the ground“to enhance the soil’s fertility by making theearth happy”, says Silvia Galleguillos, the localFeng Shui expert hired by Montes. To optimizepositive energy, pools of water at the entranceflow into the heart of the winery (“to bringprosperity into it”), where a fountain standsbeneath a circular skylight, connecting it tothe cycles of heaven.

There are many factors that influence thequality of wine, but as a general rule, the lessit is filtered, moved, pressed and pumped,the better. This is why the winery isequipped with Bücher-Vaslin presses that,while being of the latest generation, stillincorporate techniques used in 19th. centurywine-making. The two main advances in thisnew equipment –the container that holds thegrapes, which traditionally was made of woodis now stainless steel and oxigen-free– and thelever, which before was manually operated, isnow managed by computer. But, according toVidaurre, more significant is the winery’s nodto Newton’s Law and its gravitational-flow

system. At Viña Montes, the grapes arepicked and gathered in small 15 kgs binsso as to minimize fruit breakageand oxidation. Then the small bins arecarefully stacked on a forklift, which liftsthe fruit to the winery’s eight-meter-highconcrete roof.

From here begins the manual selection ofthe bunches, then de-stemming, thenberry selection, also by hand. After this, aspecial machine gently smashes the fruit.From the roof, the juice and pulp fall –the

gravity effect– through the ductsdirectly into stainless steelfermentation tanks. These tankshold between 3.000 and 15.000liters and are equipped, withintheir double panelled surfaces,with sophisticated temperature-control mechanisms. Thiscomputerized cooling andheating system assures properfermentation because winerequires cold temperatures toprevent overheating, but also, on

occasions, –such as when the harvest comeslate in the fall– wine needs a little heat tobegin fermentation.

ELEVATOR SYSTEM ANDFRENCH OAK CASKSAnother element that Montes incorporated inhis effort to produce the best possible wine isa unique elevator that contains a stainlesssteel holding tank. This system allows for thewine to be transferred throughout the winerywithout any type of pump, but simply theraising and lowering of a tank-elevator.

The winery includes ten fermentation casksmade of French oak, nine of which werebrought directly from France, one made inChile by Tonelería Nacional of imported Frenchoak. Each cask has a capacity for 10.000 litersand a cooling system consisting of coils and acirculating refrigerant l iquid. In thearchitectural design an impressive room with800 casks of French oak, all new and arrangedin a hemicycle, stands out, recalling a theatrestage where Montes’ finest wines rest to age.An overwhelming silence invades the room,filling it with peace and quiet. We believe thismust be Montes’ angels favourite hide-out.

THE “ORDER OF THE ANGEL”HAS BEEN CREATEDOur angels keep us company, being everpresent in our lives. This is why we havecreated the “Order of the Angel” to honourthem, and to which all those who have playedan important part in the history of Montes,contributing to the achievement of ourpresent identity, with affection, cheerfulness,patience and dedication, belong. Withoutthem, this dream-come-true wouldnot have been achieved. To all of them ourendless gratitude.

NEW WORLD WINE TASTINGIN HOLLANDDuring the last “New World Tasting” thattook place in Amsterdam, Holland, in May2004, two of Montes’ wines were given firstand second place in this important contest,within the 8 Euro price category. We proudlyclaimed the distinctions through Verbunt, ourDutch importers. Number 1 was given toMontes Chardonnay and Number 2 toMontes Merlot. That’s great news fromDutch consumers !

THE WINE NEWS, USA, Aug-Sep 2004

96 POINTSMONTES FOLLY DOES ITAGAIN ! Publisher’s Pick: MONTES FOLLY 2002 This has been the highest score given thus farto a Chilean wine in a specialized USAmagazine. Here follow the written comments:“Of the three Folly Syrah releases, the 2002 isthe friendliest in its youth. Beautiful hue,purple to the rim. Uplifting aromas of plum,blueberry, charred oak and minerals. A tasty,expressive wine, loaded with juicy black fruitand well integrated tannins that power upin the finish and flex their muscle. Thissmall-production Syrah is worth thesearch. 700 cases / $80.”

WINE REPORT 2004-2005, UKBy Tom StevensonThis important publication has its own team ofspecialised regional writers who evaluate theworld’s best wines. Christopher Fielden, themagazine‚s distinguished expert, in his sectionon wines from Chile and Argentina, concedesa clamorous first place amongst the Winesof Greater Quality to our Montes Alpha M2000 from the valley of Colchagua (CLP$45.000), first place also goes to Montes,for their quality as most outstanding

“Producer ofGreat Wines”,and he pointsout our MontesMerlot asamong the bestwines of regularprice. What morecould wepossibly ask for ?

WORLD WINERYOF THE YEAR2004 IN FINLANDWe are very proud of sharing with you thenews that the prestigious Finnish magazine,Gloria Wine and Food has chosen Montesas the Year’s World Winery (the previouswinner had been the renowned ANTINORI, ofItaly). The prize, awarded for our trajectory aswell as for the quality of all our Montes andMontes Alpha wines, was granted during agala of the Cuisine & Vin Organisation, inOctober last year, at Helsinki’s KalastajatorppaHilton Hotel, a gathering duly attended byAurelio and Douglas, happy recipients of sucha worthy prize. Thanks to our friends inFinland! This strongly motivates us to stick tothe path we traced, producing wines of ever-increasing quality.

Aurelio Montes, Pierre Beuchet (DIVA, France), DouglasMurray and Alfredo Vidaurre.

Alex Guarachi (TGIC, USA) and Douglas Murray.

Mónica Díaz, Aurelio Montes, Katia Malmio (Vinetum,our importer in Finland), Luis Ignacio González Serrano(Chilean Ambassador), Bernardita del Campo de Montes.

OUR ICONS IN BANFF, CANADAWith magnificent attendance and in thecompany of Canada’s most important winewriters, a most successful vertical wine tastingof Montes Alpha M and Montes Folly tookplace in October 2004, in Banff, Alberta, inthe presence of Aurelio Montes. It was a greathonour to have been invited to attend thisprestigious and restricted event at TheFairmont Banff Springs Hotel (participation issolely through invitation).

ACADEMICAL MONTESBy Alfredo Vidaurre, 26th. July, 2004Through the last few years Viña Montes hasbecome a subject of study owing to itsenormous success as an unrivalled winery inChile’s viticultural world. It is within this trendthat our Douglas Murray was invited to takepart as exponent in the National Congress forInnovation and Technology held by ICARE last8th July, along with speakers of the calibre ofSenator Fernando Flores, Carlota Pérez andSergio Melnick. In this same context, Douglashas also been requested to write an article fora publication the Instituto del Pacífico hasconceived on the subject of “Cases of Successin Chile”, on the occasion of the APECmeeting in Santiago later this year.

However, what stands out above all else is thefact that we have now become an object ofacademical research by students from thefurthest regions of the world, as well as closerby. The “case study” of Viña Montes iscurrently being investigated at the HarvardBusiness School in Cambridge,Massachussets; in the Kellog School ofManagement, at the Northwestern Universityin Chicago, and in the School ofAdministration of Thunderbird University,Phoenix, Arizona, all of them in the US. Apart

from that, our “local” Business School at theAdolfo Ibáñez University, has developed a“case” around Viña Montes, now a subject ofstudy for post-degree pupils of that university.

And, not to put too fine a point on it,Douglas and Aurelio have been appointedpatrons or mentors of the WINE M.B.A.(Wine Master of Business Administration)programme at the University of Bordeaux,in France (Bordeaux Business School). Theprevious patrons had been Robert Mondaviand Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, so it isobvious that they share good company!

The WINE M.B.A. programme is presentedconjointly by the universities of Bordeaux(France), U.C. Davis (California, US), SouthAustralia Adelaide (Australia), and theCatholic University of Santiago (Chile).Thus, this stands for massive recognition atthe highest level of the important contributionof Viña Montes to the cause of Chilean wineand to their progress in the obtention ofsuperior quality wines. Congratulations,Douglas and Aurelio!

The Programme has given us a quota for oneof our staff, and it is with great joy that weshare with you the news that our dear CarlosSerrano has graduated this October (2005) asa new Wine M.B.A. with greatest distinction !!!

PROCHILE REWARDS MONTESAlong with celebrating our 30th. year offruitful existence, ProChile, the governmentalagency in charge of promoting Chileanexports, have awarded Viña Montes aspecial prize in recognition of their

“innovativeness” in exporting. Theaccolade was received by co-founderand director of the winery, DouglasMurray. On the occasion, the foresightof the partners was highlighted,particularly referring to their pioneeringidea of planting vineyards in uphillslopes and hence producing premiumand super-premium wines, which havebeen largely praised, not only in Chile,but abroad. Another highlight dwelt onthe winery’s successful position abroad.Montes now stands 5th. in the ranking ofChilean wine exporters, with a production

in the area of 550.000 cases per year for 2005.

Douglas Murray, Alfonso Larraín, President of ViñaConcha y Toro; Jorge Rodríguez, Minister ofEconomics; María Elena Ovalle, Central Bank Director,and Ignacio Walker, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Donald House, William Bincoletto, Aurelio Montes, DavidLawrason and Anthony Gismondi.

Douglas Murray receives the ProChile “Award forInnovation in Exports” from the hands of IgnacioWalker, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

JACQUES’ WEIN DEPOT’S MAGAZINE,Germany, April 2004

ALWAYS IN THE HIGHEST PLACE“Some times it is wise to let go of anyadmiration one might have or feel for aparticular wine and its respective producer andsee what the specialised press have to say onthe matter. Leafing through plenty of material,we did not find a single case in which thewines of Aurelio Montes were notconsidered at the pinnacle of the qualitypyramid within Chilean viticulture.Thomas Vaterlaus wrote, for instance, inVINUM magazine : “Aurelio Montes’ winesclassify, doubtlessly, among the very best, andthis not only holds good for his two mostexpensive top wines”. Or, rather, let’s considerthe opinion of the renowned English critic,Tom Stevenson in his Wine Report 2004:“Viña Montes can only be found in threecategories “Best of…” : First place in thegroup of Best Wine Producers; 7th. placein Best Value Producers; and 1st. place inthe Best Wines category, convenient pricewines section”. And in Hugh Johnson’sWine Companion’s last edition: “Montesshares with Casa Lapostolle the honour ofbeing one of the best evaluated Chileanwine producers.”

November, 2004

ULTRA PREMIUM WINES INMEXICO Blind tasting number 111 of the OenologicalGroup of Mexico took place in a privateroom of restaurant “La Joya”, in the MarquisReforma Hotel, Mexico City. Wines from Chile,Argentina, Mexico and California participatedunder the name of “Ultra Premium Wines inMexico”. We feel very proud, for two of ourdearly loved wines were among thecontest’s five best. The first place went toour Montes Folly, getting the highest

score of 86.86. Montes Alpha M 2000took 5th. place, scoring 85.43. Furthermore,the tasters described Montes Folly’s label asthe most beautiful among thoseawarded! The same Oenological Group ofMexico, in their 2003 version of thecontest, chose Montes Alpha M in thefirst place, giving it 88.15 points; andMontes Folly in 2nd. place, granting it86.83 points. No doubt the Mexicans loveus, as we love them, and enjoy the qualityof our wines!

WITH JAMES BOND IN FRENCH POLYNESIAWe were informed at the Bora Bora Hotelthat actor Pierce Brosnan, famous for his roleas Agent 007, enjoyed 6 bottles of ourMontes Alpha M during a dinnerentertaining friends, and, needless to say,praised them enthusiastically (August, 2004).The interesting point is that the wines wereactually enjoyed in “real life”, not whilerehearsing a take in one of his movies…

VIVA WINE SECTIONTop 20 Wines Under $ 20

NEW ZEALAND CHOOSESBEST MERLOTOur Montes Reserva Merlot 2002 wassingled out in New Zealand as Best Merlotunder NZ$ 20. “If you like dense, full-bodied,food friendly reds and want to age somethingfor up to five years, buy at least half a case ofthis outstanding value Chilean red. FromGlengarry and other specialist wine stores” …“It is the second year running Montes hasmade this list. Last year, the Malbec 2000 wasthe Top Malbec.”

WE WERE AT THE KREMLIN…Montes Alpha Merlot was selected as the onlyred wine to be drunk at the Presidential NewYear’s Dinner in the Kremlin, in Moscow, given to1.000 guests. An amazing opportunity andremarkably high honour to “attend” such animportant celebration (as additional information,Pascal Olivet Pouilly Fumé 2002 was the solewhite wine at table). This, added to the fact thattwo of our Montes Reserve (Cabernet Sauvignonand Chardonnay) have stood out in “2005House Wine”, of the RP-Com restaurant chain,who own six restaurants, with a further fiveunder contruction. We have shown ourrecognition to our dear importers in Russia,Dmitry Pinski and Igor Davtian, of DP Trade.And, still in Moscow, our new Kaiken wine,produced in Argentina, has made its début andnow figures in the wine list of the exclusiveSipuli restaurant, a beautifully refined spotjust under the Orthodox Cathedral, in theRussian capital.

…AND ALSO IN ST. PETERSBURG!While still in Russia, we travelled to thebeautiful city of St. Petersburg, there to showoff our wines and the bounties of the Valley ofApalta. Aurelio and Douglas, togetherwith Dmitry Pinski and Igor Davtian, bothfrom DP Trade, our Russian importers,introduced to sommeliers, specialisedjournalists and clients all that Montes can offerto the alluring Russian market. We had fullhouse! We are grateful to DP Trade for theirfantastic organisation: Spasiba !!!

TOWN AND COUNTRY, USA, August 2004

RED-HOT CHILEBy Ted LoosAccording to this magazine, Aurelio Montes’and his wines’ objective is to change theperception there is of Chilean wines byhighlighting their complexity and excellentquality… “For Montes, it’s the voluptuousBordeaux-style blend Montes Alpha M 2000($72) and Montes Folly ($70), a seductive darkhorse made from Syrah, a rare grape in Chile.

Because of the superb climate in the country’stop regions, Chile can deliver the best of allworlds” … “We enjoy life” says Montes. “Myrecipe is simple: Long vacations! When I comelate to the winery at harvest, the grapes havegotten perfectly ripe.”

A WONDERFUL MEMORY“AN EVENING IN CHINA’SGREAT WALL”We lived a unique experience on Saturday,20th June, 1998, in an event conceived byJohnny Chang and organised by the PalaceHotel of Beijing in the site of theGreat Wall, with over 90distinguished guests invited,comprising European andAmerican residents, Chinesebusinessmen, and tourists; allof whom enjoyed exquisitecuisine accompanied by ourwines, in an impressive historicalbackground. The Jin Shan Lingsection of the Great Wall waspicked for its extraordinarypanoramic views and for itsvastness. The Hong Kong WineClub were sponsors; as were, too,The Palace Hotel, TaittingerChampagne, Consolidated CigarGroup, and Montes. The menu was anwondrous fussion of Western andOriental hues, all subtly encompassedby the presence of our MontesChardonnay 1995 and Montes AlphaCabernet Sauvignon 1993. It was animpressive event, in an impressive spot, in animpressive country.

February, 2005

IN THE STREETS OF CHINA, Owing to the constant efforts of JohnnyChan, our importer in China, Montes publicitygrows through the streets of that country,

through high impact images, such asthe one in the photograph.This is one of the mostimportant steps in thebuilding up of Montes’trademark in China. Its objectis to achieve a sharppenetration within the localpopulation. It is interesting tobear in mind the increasinginterest and demand for Chilean

products perceived, as well as the growingconcern in visiting our country displayed byChinese nationals, both backed up by thepresentation of Chile as a secure country tovisit for tourists from the amicable Asian giant.

Alexey Beloussov and Aurelio Montes

Aurelio Montes, Dmitry Pinski and Douglas Murray

BUSINESS CHILE, AMCHAM CHILE, June 2004

MONTES: A PIONEER IN CHINAIn the edition of the Chilean-AmericanChamber of Commerce’s magazine an articleon an eventual Free Trade Agreementbetween China and Chile is especiallyhighlighted: “Chile’s Viña Montes, a leaderproducer of premium wines, has beenexporting to China for more than twelveyears. “ I was the first to sell wine from Chileto China: That's one of the good things aboutbeing old", laughs the company's co-founder,Douglas Murray. In 2003 Montes sold 3.523cases to China, worth almost US$ 200.000.

This makes it the largest exporter of bottledChilean wines to China; although the Chinesemarket remains marginal compared to the US,the UK or Japan, the largest wine market inAsia. "We've put a lot more emphasis (onChina) than the figures would justify", thewinemaker says. That emphasis means carefulcultivation of contacts and awareness of theChinese way of doing business. Montesrecruited Johnny Chan, a local wine expertand the first to write a book on the subject inChina, as its importer there.”

AM NEW YORK, June 2004

A SATURDAY FOR MONTESALPHA MIn the 16th. June 2004 edition this new NewYork journal singles out our Montes Alpha Mas one of the perfect wines for a special day inthe week, specifically Saturday. So the author,Anthony Giglio, comments in his article “TheWine Week”, on the “Eating Well” section:“Saturday seems to me the perfect day toenjoy this extraordinary wine!”

FIRST PLACE GOES TOMONTES IN CANADAThis time the news comes from the provinceof New Brunswick, where our Montes AlphaCabernet Sauvignon 2002 got FIRST PLACEat the World Wine Festival in New Brunswick.We are grateful to Whitehall, our agent inCanada, and especially to our friend RogerCormier (see photo), who, lovingly andpassionately sells our Montes wines. Ourgratitude forever !

HINDUSTANTIMES.COMCHILE: THE NEW “OLD WORLD”

FROM ANCESTRAL INDIA

By Magandeep Singh, SommelierTo this well known sommelier, Chileanwines have been the first to destroy themyth that French wines are the best in theworld (he himself graduated from a Frenchuniversity). He bases his views in the evergrowing quality that began to show, slowly,yet steadily, in our wines, swapping placeswith their French counterparts around theworld. “My first Chilean experience was fromthe house of Montes. The wines were new inIndia, a good Chilean house and their winesshowcased for India, their first taste of thisSouth American wonder. A wine called “M”was their top-end exploit and it had alreadywon international acclaim in blind-tastings,even when pitted against some very expensiveBordeaux château wines.”

THE MISTRAL GET-TOGETHER, Brazil, June 2004

A TRUE WORLD WINESELECTIONA great meeting of the globe’s foremostcelebrities in the world of wine was themagnificent get-together organised byMistral, our exclusive importers in Brazil. Themost renowned producers from each differentcountry got together to exhibit their gems andchat with the Brazilian wine fanatics. DouglasMurray and Sonia Montanares, from Montes,took part in the important event, naturally,singling out the prestige Montes and MontesAlpha wines have acquired world-wide. Well-known and outstanding producers fromEurope, the US, South America, Australia,New Zealand and South Africa took part inmeetings organised in Sao Paulo, Rio deJaneiro and Brasilia, with an attendanceapproaching 2.500 people, namelyprofessionals, journalists, restaurant owners,sommeliers, opinion experts, serious winelovers and a sprinkle of Brazil’s VIP’s. We sentour sincere congratrulations to Mistral for theirtruly wonderful meeting and splendidorganisation, as well as for the quality of theirguests, through Otavio de Campos Lilla andCiro de Campos Lilla. A real hit by Mistral!

EL CARIBE NEWSPAPER, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, November 15, 2004

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT INSANTO DOMINGOBy María Esperanza PérezThe many virtues of Montes Chilean winewere introduced by Sonia Montanares, ourExport Manager for Latin America, during agathering held in the Epicuro shop, at thethird level of the Plaza Acrópolis. Addressingthose present, Sonia reflected that the reasonsthat make Montes a most exceptional winewere several; their category at a par with thehighest standards of international quality inorder to please the most demanding palatesaround the world, and also to continueranking at top level in Chile.

DECANTER MAGAZINE, UK, July 2004

12 YEARS LATERBy Norm RobyNorm Roby, a journalist for the prestigiousDecanter, returns after having formed his firstimpression of Chile and Argentina in 1992.During a recent trip he was most impressedby the great quality leap affecting wines in thispart of the world : “My first impressions ofChile and Argentina were formed in 1992.Wines were cheap, primitive flood irrigation invineyards was the norm, and ill-equippedwineries were all too common. Back then,Viña Montes was a start-up operation” …“Today, with annual production levelling offat 350.000 cases, Montes is finishing a newwinery in Apalta” … “Cabernet grown inRapel Valley –Colchagua, Cachapoal andApalta– is ripe, forward in fruit, and oftenround and supple. Montes led the way in thisgenerous, juicy style of Cabernet”.

WINE INTERNATIONAL “The Ultimate Chile Guide 2004”

CHILE FROM A TO ZBy Connie McCabeIn this special edition on Chile, under the title“Chile from A to Z”, Connie McCabe writesabout the Valley of Apalta : “Aurelio Montes–current winemaker and partner of ViñaMontes– was not only the first person to spotthe area’s potential at the beginning of hiscareer, but he was also the person whorecommended that Lapostolle use fruitgrowing in old Apalta vineyards to create thisparticular wine (Cuvée Alexandre)” … “Viña

Montes obtains its best Syrah (Montes Folly)and Cabernet Sauvignon (Montes Alpha M)from the steep slopes, which were plantedduring the first half of the 1990’s” …Respecting Viña Montes she singles out that“Aurelio Montes is one of the main players inthe global world of wine, as well as a partnerin this winery. Montes started out as a smallboutique business. Turning into Chile’s mostcommercially successful ones. Its Folly Syrah isthe best in the country and its ambitiousCabernet “M” has a distinct robustness”.

VINO & ESTILO, Mexico, January 2004

A WINERY THAT CONQUERSTHE WORLDBy Miguel Guzmán PeredoA brief review of the history of wine in Chile iswhat the author describes in his article in thisspecialized Mexican magazine: “Climaticconditions are given in the zone of Apalta,which, combined with the terroir, conjure upan extremely suitable setting for the growth offine vineyards. The landscape that stretchesfrom the slopes of the property of Apalta isfull of beauty, allowing to contemplate a vastarea planted with noble vines. After a longtasting session, the finesse of five differentwines still lingers in my memory : MontesAlpha Merlot, Montes Alpha CabernetSauvignon, Montes Alpha Syrah, MontesAlpha M and Montes Folly.”

GLOBAL TRAVELER, USA, February 2004 (a magazine for airlines)

THE ULTRA PREMIUM WINES OF CHILEBy Eunice Fried Considering Ultra Premium Chilean wines shesingles out Montes Alpha M as among themore exceptional: “Montes Alpha M 1999($78), an elegant, concentrated wine,beautifully balanced, with deep fruit flavorsand a hint of chocolate in the aroma; andMontes Alpha M 2000 ($78), an exhuberantwine brimming with personality and varietalcharacter, satiny in the mouth, delicious in taste”.

Also, in June 2004 Global Traveler awarded itsfirst annual prizes to the best wines in airlinesworld-wide to be served in executive class.The event took place in New York, with theattendance of the world’s most renownedwine judges, held at the MilleniumBroadway Hotel, and our much lovedMontes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2002came among the ten best red wines.Wonderful news, which keeps us flying high inthe world’s skies!

CHILEVINOS.COM, Chile, September 2004

FOLLY’S RIPENESSAna María Barahona describes our MontesFolly 2002 as “a bolting horse, a stout, toughyouth”. Vines planted on poor, somewhatgranitic soil, of little organic matter, on steep,sinuous slopes, give life to this Syrah, redolentof black berries, spices, raisins; meaty. Itgradually sweetens into notes of espresso anddark berries, with a juicy, full-bodied finish;ending up in the Montes Folly 2002, turnedinto a more elegant wine, having built up astriking wine structure.”

THE TIMESTop 100 wines for ChristmasBy Jane MacQuitty2003 Montes Cabernet-Carmenère (27th.November 2004) : Montes is well known toTop 100 readers, and while not every winefrom this estate is a winner, the best bottlesare first-rate. Made from 70 per cent cabernetsauvignon and topped up with carmenère,then finished off with American oak aging,this delicious bottle heaves with bold, dusky,chocolatey 14 per cent alcohol fruit. You get alot of wine for your money with this one. “

THE TIMESJane MacQuitty’s Top 100Montes Alpha Syrah (4th. December 2004) :“Larger than life reds with high alcohol levelswork wonderfully well over the festivities; andthis burly, turbo-charged wine, with lots ofguts, spice and berry fruit, topped with blackpepper and chocolate, the vinous equivalentof an ice-cream sundae, will not disappoint.Aurelio Montes only buys top quality syrahgrapes from closely planted hillside sites, andthis Rhone-inspired bottle is a fine example ofwhat Chile can achieve with this grape.”

THE INDEPENDENT, UK(Christmas Buyers’ Guide: Great Whites)By Anthony Rose (27th. November 2004)“Everyday white… 2004 Montes ReserveSauvignon Blanc. Montes offer some of thebest value sauvignon blanc in Chile; thispungently refreshing wine has a gooseberryfruitiness with new vintage snap.”

EVENING STANDARDWine of the WeekBy Andrew Neather (December 2004)Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon: “Apowerful cabernet to stand up to even therichest Christmas roasts. This has some of theclassic taste and complex structure of a goodMedoc, but with rich berry fruit and vanillatones that unmistakable signals its Chileanorigins. Nicely balanced and impressive allround.”

21st. December, 2004

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPHGiles Kime recommends Montes AlphaMerlot: “Bordeaux might be the traditionalchoice for turkey, but the silky tannins of thisplummy Chilean red are a glorious match.”

January, 2005

OUR SAUVIGNON BLANCFEATURES IN THE FINANCIAL TIMESIn its recent seasonal wine guide, The FinancialTimes' Jancis Robinson singles out two ofour much loved wines. On the white winecategory, Montes Reserve Sauvignon Blanc2004, from the Casablanca Valley, is describedas a wine of mineral essence "Very racy rivalfor New Zealand Sauvignon; one of myChristmas selections too”. Further on, underthe red wine category she points to ourMontes Limited Selection Cabernet-Carmenère 2003, from Colchagua, as a“modern, lively and fresh” wine.

WINE ACCESS, Canada, May 2004

UP THE STEEP SLOPES OF APALTABy Anthony GismondiSix days and five nights was the time spent inChile by oenologue Randy Ullom, who, alongwith executive director and wine writerAnthony Gismondi, took a special tripthrough various of Chile’s wine-growingvalleys. Gismondi thus comments on his visitto Montes vineyards in Apalta: “Withinminutes we’re climbing the precarious slopesto the top of the newest and steepest hillsideplantings I’ve encountered in South America.Señor Randy is smiling as we peer down themulti-faceted slopes: the exposures areunlimited. Recently planted cabernet, syrahand merlot cover the hillsides. My question is,how the hell are we going to get back down?A quick tasting of Montes wines confirms theyare already on the cutting edge of Chileanwine, and with the steep slopes behind usabout to bear fruit, the quality quotient isabout to rise again.”

IDIOMAVINO.CL : CHILEAN WINE IN ITALY

ITALIAN SOMMELIERSEMPHASIZE THE QUALITY OFCHILEAN WINESThe Seminar “Chile, a stupendous reality inthe South of the world”, 31st. October2003, Hilton Hotel, Rome.Chilean wines brilliantly showcased in Rome.The seminar was held at the Cavalieri Hilton,along with an open tasting, to an importantattendance and successful critics. The sixaward-winning wines at the seminar, where

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over one hundred sommeliers from Romehad gathered, were highlighted with greatinterest and excellent reviews by professorMassimo Billeto, accompanied by MaríaIsabel Mijares, of world repute and a specialinvitée to this important event. Our MontesAlpha were greatly praised and commentedon, and there was no doubt left that Chile isplaced among world class producers. Theroom was packed full with experienced Italianprofessionals and the Chilean Ambassador, HisExcellency Mr. José Goñi, was among theguests. Rome’s sommeliers were pleasantlyimpressed by these wines, which, in theiropinion, place Chile among the greatproducers of fine wines. 24 wineries took partin this event. We cannot but thank all thoseinvited, as well as the flattering praise fromthe international wine writers.

VIINIOPAS GUIDE 2004FINLANDWe wish to bring to your attention the veryhigh scores reached by Chilean wines in thisimportant Finnish wine guide: “MontesAlpha Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (90points) Colour : Good red. Nose: Sweet richoak and black currant aromas. Taste: Cherrystone. Full bodied, stylish oak and fruit. Quiteacid for a Chilean wine. For sweet and sourfood; marinated gril led beef. Also forChristmas table.” Montes Limited SelectionCabernet Sauvignon-Carmenère 2001 (89points) Colour: Red, a bit evolved. Nose: Oak,Bordeaux style, dry grape a bit metallicaromas. Taste: Medium bodied, spicy, goodtaste. Good price for value.”

WINES OF THE WORLD, EYEWITNESSCOMPANIONS, USA, December 2004

CHILE’S TOP PRODUCERIn the new Eyewitness Guide’ Wines of theWorld, Montes is thus brought to notice :“This company has established a reputationfor quality at all levels –particularly for itsAlpha range. Syrah is the latest challenge. Byplanting the vines higher up the slope, theywill be stressed at the right time to achievegreat concentration and complexity of flavor.Montes is a highly respected winemaker whoalso acts as consultant to other companies. Histop wines, the rich, peppery, spicy MontesFolly (Syrah), and rounded, elegant MontesAlpha M (Cabernet blend), are two of thefinest in Chile.”

WINE ENTHUSIAST, USA, March 2004

MONTES FOLLY KEEPS ONGROWINGMontes Folly 2001 ($70) was given 92points in the “Buying Guide” section. “This isfast becoming Montes signature wine. In onlyits second vintage, this 100% Syrah from thehighest reaches of the Apalta vineyard is lush,refined and exciting. The nose offers a delicateamalgam of cherry, mustard seed, chocolateand horseradish notes. And while it’s hugeand extracted, it toes the line of balance. Onthe palate, lovely blackberry, licorice and syrupflavors take control and don’t let go.” - M.S.

COPLEY NEWS SERVICE, USA, May 2004

TWO SUPERB SUPERPREMIUMSBy Robert WhitleyA most interesting article on the so-calledPremium Wines of Chile points out at two ofMontes’ icons: Montes Alpha M and MontesFolly: “Montes Alpha M is in the sameleague as Clos Apalta and Almaviva, if notquite as polished. It’s a monster compared tothe other two, blending small amounts ofmerlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot withrich, beefy cabernet sauvignon from thehillside vineyards on Montes’ Apalta estate.Alpha M is a wine you might want to tame inthe cellar (or more likely a dark closet) a fewyears before serving. Retails for about $80” …

“Montes Folly deserves to be ranked thishighly on its potential alone. Montes hasplanted Syrah on his steepest hil lsides,including some at a 45 degree angle, in rocksoils that were only suitable for planting afterthe largest boulders were removed. The firstthree vintages were very promising, although2001 was more successful than either 2000 or2002. What the ‘01 demonstrates, however, isthat when Montes nails it, he really nails it.Until Montes planted syrah, there was little ornone of it to be found in Chile. There is noplace for this wine to go but up. Montes Follyretails for about $80.”

LA HORA NEWSPAPER, CHILE, 14th. July 2004

VINES PLANTED IN POSH HOTELAn original idea was conceived by the ownersof Cava Vergara, a wine boutique at the SanCristóbal Sheraton Hotel, Santiago: ViñaMontes has planted a small “vineyard”, withvines of four different types: Carmenère,Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Chardonnay.The shop is also decorated with vinificationand cave paraphernalia, similar to those foundin proper wine cellars.

WORLD GOURMET SUMMIT,SINGAPORESponsored by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel andAmerican ExpressWe travelled all the way to Singapore toparticipate in the World Gourmet Summit. Onthis occasion, Carlos Serrano joined a series ofactivities, including a tasting session forsommeliers, a winemaker’s dinner and aseminar on Chile and its bounties as a qualitywine producing country. The attendants ateach of these were warmly welcomed, asshown in the photograph.

AUCTION IN SINGAPOREAnother highlight of the stay in Singapore wasa very special auction held during a charitydinner that took place at the Ritz-CarltonHotel in this city. A three litre bottle ofMontes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon wasauctioned at Sing$ 2.000 (the equivalent ofUS$ 1.176). We feel honoured to hear of thewonderful reception our wines have receivedin that sophisticated Asian market (May 2004).Many thanks to Crystal Wines, our devotedimporters!”

THE SUNDAY TIMES, SOUTH AFRICA, May 2005

SPIRIT IN THIS BOTTLEBy Neil PendockImpressed by the variety of the Chileanlandscape, which he defined as “The wholeworld in one country”, the prestigious South

African wine writer, Neil Pendock, sees littletrouble in pointing out that it is “a place ofearthquakes, wine and poets, like someAntarctic Aegean”. His visit was crowned by astroll through the Valley of Apalta: “Perfectphysical and human terroir for larger-than-lifewinemakers like Aurelio Montes, whose idea itwas to plant Syrah on the precipitous slopes ofthe highest mountain in the Apalta Valley” …“The result is Montes Folly, the first ultra-premium Syrah from Chile, complete with awhacky label by artist/cartoonist RalphSteadman which is nearly as wild as thecontents.” Pendock also praises the intensityof Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon, andthe delicacy of Montes Sauvignon Blanc.

A TOP WINE FOR CHILE’S TOP EXECUTIVESEL MERCURIO, CHILE, May 2005An article published in El Mercurio, Chile’sinfluential newspaper, based on researchcarried out by the Research InternationalCadem agency, reflects upon the particulartastes of some 100 of Chile’s top executives(directors or managers of big companies), whorevealed their preferences, ranging from whichbanks they keep their accounts in, to theirfavourite wine and their signature choicewhen it comes to clothes. Under the headingFavourite Wine Brand, Montes Alpha cameFirst, among well known, prestigiousinternational names. Though taste is merelysubjective, some choices keep repeatingthemselves!

WE CAN ALSO BE FOUND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SOUTH PACIFICIt is extremely pleasant for us to be madeaware of the high appreciation andrecognition our wines are held in the remotestand most exotic corners of the world. Or, as ithappens, in the midst of the Pacific, where theCook Islands, of Polynesian tradition, arelocated. We wish to call that to attention andwarmly thank our importers in Rarotonga,CITC (Trevor Clarke and TearikiPennycook), who already belong to our Hallof Fame, a tradition we would wish to alwayskeep, dedicating it to those who show theirregard for us througout the world.

MONTES AND MONTESALPHA IN UKRANIAWe are thrilled to introduce you to our newimporters in Ukrania. They are none otherthan Premium Wine Enterprises, in thebeautiful city of Kiev. We send them our mostheartfelt welcome to the Montes team!

Teariki Pennycook

MONTES IN THE CZECH REPUBLICWe are happy to welcome our new andexclusive importer in the Czech Republic.M. Král & Spol are doing a great jobimporting our Montes wines. We are alreadyin the top restaurants and wine shops. Wewish to thank them for their preference, aswell as for their affectionate support. Manythanks, Mrs. Král, Romana, and all the team!

A PLEASANT VISIT FROM GERMANYWe like friends to come and visit. This is whywe were very glad to receive a group fromJacques’ Wein Depot, headed by Jacqueshimself, our dear importer in Germany. Wetook them to admire the slopes of Apalta andour new Feng Shui cellar. Later, after a typicallyChilean lunch prepared for them inMarchigüe, they were happily impressed bywhat they saw. Above all, they were able toappreciate all the great affection anddedication that lies behind each bottle of ourwines. Thank you, JWD, for your visit!

GROUP FROM CASA CUERVO,MEXICOAlmost like an acquired tradition, some monthsago we welcomed our distinguished friends fromCasa Cuervo, our importers in Mexico, in yetanother of their pleasant visits. We walked upthe Apalta slopes, to the new cellar and,needless to say, the Marchigüe vineyards. Theywere able to see for themselves, on the spot,how much we strive, and all the love there isbehind each and all of our wines.

TGIC GROUP VISITS CHILEWe were also visited by various exclusivegroups from the USA. The TGIC boys and girlscame, cheerful and enthusiastic, to acquaintthemselves with Apalta and Marchigüe. It wasall great fun; amusing and full of laughter. Wecan only hope they return soon!

WE ALSO WORK BY NIGHTForever in search of excellence and quality inour wines, part of the 2005 vintage in Apaltatook place during the night. We started workat 10 p.m., under the light of big, brightbaloon lamps, harvesting those wonderfulgrapes all through the night. We were allthere, in fact. We even had the help of theTGIC group, our importers from the USA, wholent a helping hand in the operation. It was,doubtlessly, an excellent harvest, and afantastic night!

July- August 2004

VENDIMIA MAGAZINE, CHILESix successful Chilean wineries in theinternational market debated on the situationof Chilean wines and the need to actcautiously and in unity. Douglas Murray, co-founder and partner of Viña Montes, isoutspoken: “The quid lies in resources. Thegreat tragedy of Chilean wine is mediumvalue. We were the first to come up with moreexpensive wines in many countries, throughplenty of effort; though without, as yet, totalrecognition, which will, however, come withtime. There is no country in which Chile is notpresent. Further wine culture is needed,perhaps, but that, too, is bound to change.”

WE ATTENDED THE SKALLIEVOLUTION CONFERENCE IN FRANCEDouglas Murray was invited to make apresentation in the already famous Skalli WineEvolution Conference, held in Paris at the endof January this year. CEO and Presidents ofwine enterprises of world importanceaddressed relevant issues of interest to theattendants. Douglas referred, specifically (asrequested by the Skalli organisers), to the“Success of Montes in the USA “.

MARTIN GILLIONS’ WINE MAGAZINENew Zealand

FROM THE FURTHER SHORESOF THE PACIFIC

By Michael CooperChilean reds tend to be full-flavoured, earthy and spicy, oftenwith a distinct herbal edge. TheMontes range, imported byGlengarry, features a plummy MontesReserve Merlot 2000 (★★★1/2, $18),which shows good savoury, earthycomplexity; a full-bodied, suppleMontes ReserveCabernet Sauvignon(★★★1/2, $18), with strong blackcurrant

and green leafflavours; and aplummy, spicy,brambly MontesReserve Malbec2000 (★★★1/2,$18), deliciouslyripe and ready.”

VITIVINICCULTURA MAGAZINE, CHILE, August 2004

THE PHILIPPINES, AN UNCUT MARKETThis important Asian country has turned into agrowing wine consumer. On this, DouglasMurray’s opinion is: “The Philippines are agood alternative for exports, since it isincreasingly favouring Chilean wines, even themost expensive. I believe it will become one ofthe main Asian markets.” Thanks to thevalue/quality relation, larger sections of themarket have been won, and collective effortsare being made to get rid of the “cheap wine”stigma and demonstrate that Chile produceswines of high prices and excellent quality. Inthis respect, Murray holds the view that “Theimage of ordinary wine has been changingabroad. Now they know that we produce stockof different types and excellent quality. Withina few years Chile can get to make some thebest wines in the world and prove it.” We payhomage to our importers, Philippines WineMerchants, and to their President, Ralph LimJoseph and Lim Joseph Brothers.

CATADORES, MEXICO, June-July 2004

VIÑA MONTES, OR THE RISEOF CHILEAN WINES“The vineyards planted by Montes in the slopesof Apalta have become a symbol of theupward path of a winery which bet uponquality from the very beginning” … “Monteshad rather a visionary attitude. He wanted tomake high quality wines, more in keeping withthe trend he had perceived in the outsidemarket, which was gradually showing its face within a few years. The Montes Alpha range,amongst which their Merlot soon excelled,

created an image of high quality Chilean winethat had not been there before. And theirexample gathered momentum. Towards themid ‘90s premium ranges began to emerge inseveral of the best wineries, oriented towardsan international market segment of specifictastes willing to pay a plus to obtain, in return,some of the characteristics that Chile coulddeliver in their best expresion: Fruitiness,concentration, a capacity to blend well withthe notes of new French and American oakcasks” … “With the Apalta plantation, Monteswent in search of personality for his wines.

Besides achieving better exposure to sun andbreeze, the soil is poorer than in the plain, andthe vines’ long roots do not interfere with theunderground layers of water… The idea is toforce the grapes into interesting conditionsthat will instill upon them additional richness,concentration and character” … Of course,Catadores is not alone in its avowedpredilection for Montes wines. We’ve pickedtwo famous authors who share it :

Hugh Johnson: “I immediately tasted Folly2000 and understood exactly the reason forthe general enthusiasm. From my point ofview, it is even better than the Cabernet indepth and structure. It is doubtlessly anenormous promise.”

Jancis Robinson: Montes Folly is extremelyimpressive. Its acidity balance is remarkable,and though it obviously is very alcoholic, it isalso very concentrated; very flattering.”

TORONTO STAR, CANADA, 10 November, 2004

A HEAVENLY RETREAT FOR WINE LOVERSBy Gordon StimmellUnder the title “Chile’s Golden Boy” theauthor highlights: “Aurelio Montes provedChile is also capable of grandeur by pouringfour vintages on his flagship Montes Alpha Mred, and unveiling a new biggie, Montes Folly2002, a pure Syrah from the best slopes ofApalta. One of the first to plant on hillsidesrather than the plain in the Colchagua Valley,he practises total water control. “Withirrigation, you play the music and the plantdances”. Montes does all the right things tosculpt big reds. A green harvest (discardinggrape bunches mid season), high-densityplantings, night harvests, removing of stems byhand to cut greenness in the final wines. The2000 Montes Alpha M rates 93, with bigmeaty smoky black cherry fruit with hints ofviolets and a silky vessel.”

BEVERAGE DYNAMICS, USA, April 2004

A ★★★★★ STAR TOP MERLOTRanking 94 points, our Montes AlphaMerlot 2002 has been awarded 5 stars by thisspecialised magazine, technically oriented vis àvis the wine and spirits market. “This deeppurple wine initially opens with a soft bouquet,but amazing complexity l ingers in thebackground, with raspberry, mocha, spice andoak. It explodes on the palate, with full body,superb richness and extract, and ample acidityfor balance; tart cherry, raspberry and plumflavors dominate, and the tannin indicatesmarvelous potential for cellaring ($20).”

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MONTES S.A.Av. Del Valle 945, Of 2611, Ciudad Empresarial,Huechuraba, Santiago, ChileTel: 56-2-2484805, Fax: 56-2-2484790e-mail: [email protected]