Since the last review we did was an updated vintage of a wine we’d previously reviewed, I thought we would continue that trend this week with another. Not too long ago we reviewed the 2009 Peñalolen Sauvignon Blanc and we’re already checking out the 2010 vintage of this wine.
How can that be? A 2010 Sauvignon Blanc on the market in early February of 2011. Well, remember that this one is from Chile and their seasons are opposite of ours. Therefore the grapes for this wine were actually harvested in spring of 2010 rather than fall. Or was it fall in spring? … I mean is April called “fall” in Chile? Now that I think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever been south of the equator to find that out. I need to plan a trip to experience this.
Anyway, getting back to reviewing this wine. The 2009 version of this wine was loaded with citrus and that continues in the 2010 vintage. But the 2009 also showed an interesting vegetal component on the nose that takes on more of a classic “cut grass” expression in the 2010.
Grapefruit, mineral, lemon and cut grass aromas give this wine the nose of a classic Casablanca Valley sauvignon blanc. The palate is loaded with citrus flavors, like grapefruit and lime. There’s also some melon flavor on the palate. The acidity is just right. The finish is medium-long and teaming with citrus and mineral flavors.
If you’re looking to explore Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, I highly recommend checking out those from Casablanca Valley. And this Peñalolen is a nice example of what you can expect from this region. To be clear, I’m not ruling out SB from other regions of Chile, but Casablanca Valley is pretty consistent and reliable for this varietal.
Wine: Peñalolen
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 12.5%
Rating: 87
Price: $12.00
Find Peñalolen Sauvignon Blanc with Snooth