Colchagua, Montes, `Purple Angel`, Chile

Tim Atkin MW, Chile 2025 Special Report.
97 points
The term "Colchagua" most likely refers to the Colchagua Valley in Chile, a renowned wine-producing region.

Carmenère wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with a noticeable weight on the palate. This means they have a substantial feel in the mouth, often described as having a "weight" similar to cream rather than water, depending on the specific wine.

For me, this is the best Purple Angel since 2016, another cooler, fresher vintage in Chile. Partnering Carmenère and 8% Petit Verdot, with equal parts of the blend from Apalta and Marchigüe, this has plenty of graphite and tarragon on the nose, supple, granular tannins, layers of coffee bean, chocolate and black cherry and a balanced, nuanced finish. A wine that doesn’t seem to be trying too hard to impress you. Delicious.