Montes Alpha Series Merlot 2018

Montes has been making the case for Colchagua Valley Merlot for a long time, and this 2018 is a fine exhibit. Cherry red in the glass with violet at the edges. Blackberry, fig, and plums in syrup lead, with black pepper and fresh tobacco giving the mid-palate some grip; the body is medium, the tannins round and smooth. It's drinking beautifully now and has another decade in it, which is more patience than most Merlot at this price asks you to have.