Tonight we have a double-header review with two different brands of sauvignon blanc from William Cole Vineyards in Casablanca Valley, Chile. This is not to be confused with William Cole Vineyards in Napa Valley, California — that’s a different William Cole.
The Chilean William Cole Vineyards has 130 hectares of vineyards in a flat valley surrounded by hills. They have a few different brands of wine that they produce and these two are both from the Casablanca Valley and are both very good.
William Cole
Columbine Special Reserve
The intensity on the nose of this wine is outstanding. This is an “in your face” sauvignon blanc, with voluptuous tropical aromas. The nose is filled with grapefruit, pineapple, passionfruit and good ol’ cat’s pee. I know that sounds nasty, but it’s a common attribute with sauvignon blanc and not as gross as it sounds.
This sauvignon blanc also has a significant grass or nettle fragrance. The palate has crisp acidity with green apple and lime flavors. The concentration of flavors isn’t as intense as I had expected, after the experiencing the powerful aromas, but it’s still good. A mineral note hits the mid-palate and then it’s citrus and peach flavors on an exceptionally long finish. If a citrus-filled sauvignon blanc with plenty of acidity is what you’re looking for, then this may be your wine.
Wine: William Cole, Columbine Special Reserve
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 12.5%
Rating: 87
Price: $15.00
Here’s what others thought of the this wine:
William Cole
Albamar
If I could only use one word to describe the aromas from this wine, it would be “mango.” But I get to use more words, and so I will. Mango is definitely the dominant characteristic, but there is also good bit of lemon and mineral on the nose. The flavors are that of green apple, peach, melon and citrus. The finish is mostly citrus, mango and yummy, yummy, yummy. The acidity is just right with this wine. This wine gives me yet another reason to love Chilean sauvignon blanc. And at only $11.00 it’s an exceptional value!
Wine: William Cole, Albamar
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2009
Alcohol: 12.5%
Rating: 89
Price: $11.00
Find William Cole, Albamar Sauvignon Blanc with Snooth
Disclosure: These wines were provided as samples.