PalateMatch

Today I am tasting the 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Reserva by Chilensis from the Casablanca Valley of Chile. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc based wine was acquired for under $10. This is the first wine from Chilensis (note that the link to ingles on the site doesn’t work) that I have discussed on PalateMatch, so it will be interesting to discover the aromas and flavors it is showing now.

Color

In the glass this wine is a pretty yellow straw color.

Aroma

This isn’t a very aromatic Sauvignon Blanc. I only can detect limited aromas of lemon and grapefruit even when warmed up.

Flavor

On the palate this wine is quite thick for a Sauvignon Blanc. The weight is heavy and reminds me of a Chardonnay. Perhaps it is a bit old? On the attack it is showing some lime components and it transitions to lemon on the finish. In the mid-palate there is some sweetness similar to white grape juice.

Rating

For my palate this Sauvignon Blanc is not the best match. It may work well if you prefer a Sauvignon Blanc that is heavy and sweet. I rate it 83 points.

Today I am tasting the 2008 Cono Sur Vision Sauvignon Blanc from the Casablanca Valley in Chile. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc based wine was purchased for under $14. It is aged for 4 months in stainless steel tanks. I’ve previously really enjoyed the 2008 Cono Sur Vision Pinot Noir, so I am excited to try this wine. Also, I’ve tasted the 2008 Cono Sur Sauvignon Blanc and the newer 2009 Cono Sur Sauvignon Blanc so it will be educational to try this higher end version from Vina Cono Sur.

Color

In the glass it is a creamy light straw color.

Aroma

On the nose the dominant note is the grapefruit. There is also lime and a hint of grass. Green apple and honeydew components are also present. Finally there is a fresh mineral note such as that in mineral water which makes this a wine which leads me to expect a good range of flavors on the palate.

Flavor

The attack shows the green apple which was present on the nose. There is good acidity throughout and more of a heaviness to this wine than some Sauvignon Blancs exhibit. The finish is very strong grapefruit and in the mid-palate there is a distinctive Carica papaya component similar to those from Chile. Overall this is a very nice Sauvignon Blanc which shows surprising complexity along with the freshness and acidity commonly found with this varietal.

Rating

I highly recommend this wine if you enjoy Sauvignon Blancs which show a lot of grapefruit. It is well made and I rate it 94 points.

Have you tried this wine or any of the Vision wines from Cono Sur?

Today I am tasting the 2009 San Elias Sauvignon Blanc from the Central Valley of Chile. This wine was purchased for under $9 and is 100% Sauvignon Blanc.

Color

In the glass this wine is a light straw color.

Aroma

Some grapefruit on the nose from this wine along with a good amount of minerality. The damp soil notes are accompanied by cantaloupe, papaya and even a rubbing alcohol note. Very interesting aromas.

Flavor

The attack is very tropical fruit centered and not as much citrus as some Sauvignon Blancs. This wine is also quite heavy and not as acidic as many. There is a hint of lime on the mid-palate followed by grapefruit on the finish. Ripe honeydew melon is present throughout. For a Sauvignon Blanc this wine is unusual in that it can overpower lighter dishes so consider pairing it with creamier dishes.

Rating

For my palate this wasn’t a perfect match. I’d be tempted to drink a good Chardonnay instead. But it does offer some interesting flavors and aromas. I rate it 86 points.

Today I am tasting the 2009 Momentos de Chile Sauvignon Blanc by Chateau Los Boldos from the Central Valley of Chile. This wine was purchased for under $10 and is 100% Sauvignon Blanc.

Color

In the glass this wine is a very light yellow similar to straw.

Aroma

On the nose, the grapefruit is a dominant component along with green apple. There is also lime and a bit of chlorine like minerality.

Flavor

On the attack the green apple is showing nicely then the grapefruit is present on the attack and the finish. The mid-palate exhibits lemon rind and there is a hint of custard apple as well. There is good acidity which makes this wine a great match for lighter foods.

Rating

I like this wine and recommend it especially if you like grapefruit. I rate it 88 points.

Have you tried it? If so, what flavors and aromas did you find?

Today I am tasting the 2009 Carmen Sauvignon Blanc from the Curico Valley region of Chile. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc based wine was purchased for under $10.

Color

In the glass this wine is a light straw color.

Aroma

There is a big grapefruit component on the nose of this wine. It is supplemented by aromas of lime and green apple. There is also a hint of minerals and an unusual ripe banana scent. I’ve never really detected banana before on a Sauvignon Blanc wine.

Flavor

The grapefruit that was present on the nose continues strongly on the palate. The attack and mid-palate are full of grapefruit flavors. There is also a good amount of honeydew on the finish. For a Sauvignon Blanc, this wine is thicker and somewhat creamy. It is a little lower than some in acid so it almost has some sweet character even though it is a dry wine.

Rating

I like this wine. It has some unique flavors and aromas that I don’t always encounter in a Sauvignon Blanc at this price point. It is a bit too thick and creamy for me to really love it. I rate it 88 points.

Today I am tasting the 2009 Indo Sauvignon Blanc by Vina Anakena from the San Antonia Valley region of Chile. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc based wine was purchased for under $10 and is not aged in oak. The Indo line of wines is a premium level in Anakena’s products. It sits between the Reserve and the Single Vineyard lines. I have previously tasted the Varietal level in the 2007 Anakena Sauvignon Blanc and 2009 Anakena Sauvignon Blanc. As mentioned in my review of the 2008 Anakena Indo Cabernet Sauvignon, I have been looking for this wine. I am pleased to see more of the higher end wines from Chile showing up in the US retail marketplace as I think there are some great values and quality wines to be had.

Color

In the glass this wine is an attractive, medium gold color.

Aroma

There is a lot of grapefruit showing on the nose of this wine. It comes across with more of a red grapefruit nose than anything else. There is also a creamy lemon meringue component which is very nice.

Flavor

On the attack the grapefruit makes the transition from the nose. It is prevalent throughout and is joined in the mid-palate and finish by honeydew melon notes and even honey by itself on the finish. For a Sauvignon Blanc this is a heavy wine tending more toward the viscous nature of Chardonnay or Viognier. There is good acidity on the finish. This is a good wine to pair with food.

Rating

This is a well made wine, a good value, and I like it. Even at room temperature, it shows no obvious flaws. I rate it 88 points. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the fruit would have shown more flavors. Perhaps in the next vintage.

Have you tried this wine? What flavors and aromas did you detect?