Carmenere resurfaced in Chile in 1994, after it was believed to be extinct when phylloxera hit Bordeaux, its original home, in 1880. In Chile, its only producer at the moment, we consider it our Chilean variety and call it the Jurassic Park grape, returned from extinction. Montes pioneered the Chilean wine scene by creating super-premium wines, including the Montes Alpha range, and icons such as Montes Alpha M and Montes Folly. Montes also led the way to quality by planting on steep mountain slops. Although a pioneer, Montes also knows when to wait - Aurelio Montes preferred to take his time to develop the Carmenere a variety when he was satisfied that it could be a top contender, the very best Montes could possibly produce. It was worth the wait - this new beauty (a blend of 92% Carmenere and 8% Petit Verdot, with 18 months in new French oak barrels) is touched by the wings of an angel - a Purple Angel. Purple Angel, the super Carmenere from Montes.