MontGras is a reliably good Chilean producer - their wines are widely available, good quality, and generally well-priced. A great portion is estate-grown in Chile's Colchagua Valley, a grand valley nestled between the coastal ranges near the Pacific to the west and the Andes Mountains to the east. There the abundant valley warmth coupled with the coastal influence, along with the clay loamy soils, make for friendly ground for Bordeaux varietals.
The MontGras 2010 Reserva Cabernet Franc comes from the Colchagua Valley. Online it appears to be a BevMo exclusive - there's little info about the wine online other than references to BevMo. Typically the red wines of the MontGras Reserva line are hand-harvested with about half their blends aged for 8 months in French & American oak. This yields wines that show generous fruit along with nice varietal and regional character.
The Reserva Cab Franc is more than that. It's dark ruby color in the glass makes way for notes of rose petal, mossy earth, black tea, and generous black currant and cherry. On the palate it shows ample fruit and body with nicely integrated depth, and just a hint of the oak. Nice silken tannins and juicy acidity highlight the finish. The regular retail is $17.99, but this was on sale for an amazing $10.79. It's good either way, but crazy good at $10.79. Definitely a standout from this producer.
