2006 Purple Angel
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Tasting notes
The 2006 Purple Angel is composed of 92% Carmenere and 8% Petit Verdot (an increasingly important blending grape in Chile) aged for 18 months in new French oak before bottling without filtration. Purple/black in color, it has a splendid perfume of toasty oak, pencil lead, incense, sage, blueberry, and blackberry. Layered, bordering on opulent, this full-throttle wine has gobs of fruit, succulent flavors, and a long, pure finish. Cellar it for 5-7 years and drink it from 2015 to 2026. It is another example of just how good Carmenere can be when grown in the right terroir with extended hang-time. Aurelio Montes remains one of Chile's great innovators and quality leaders. His latest releases are first class from entry level to the top of the portfolio. Importer: TGIC Importers, Woodland Hills, CA; Tel: (800) 924-0030
Critic scores
Average Score
Josh Raynolds
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
(includes 8% petit verdot) Glass-staining ruby. Pungent scents of red and dark berry preserves are complicated by musky herbs, cracked pepper and potpourri, with a suave undercurrent of oak spices. Sweet, pliant blackberry and candied cherry flavors are framed by velvety tannins and given a tangy edge by a bright minerality that builds on the finish. This will reward patience but is pretty delicious right now.