The William Cole estate is situated in the Casablanca Valley, near the city of Casablanca. There is also a William Cole Vineyards in St. Helena, California, but the wineries are unrelated. William Cole Vineyards, the Chilean version, is owned and operated by William Cole, while William Cole Vineyards in St. Helena is owned and operated by William Ballentine, along with his family, including a son named Cole. But that’s neither here, nor there.
William Cole Vineyards (the one in Casablanca, Chile) produces an array of traditional varietals, along with Carménére. Their sauvignon blanc is sourced from cooler micro-climates that, William Cole claims, enable the wine to retain a natural acidity. The grapes are destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks for a period of 15 days.
On the nose, the wine offers amazing and complex aromas of green bell pepper, along with an array of fruits, including grapefruit and peach. On the palate the wine initially teases at following through on that robust nose, but the mid-palate and finish mysteriously fade away. It comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. The wine actually turns somewhat creamy, devoid of any real acidity. It gives the sense of being somewhat out of balance.
This is a rather unique wine, offering a rich nose and fruity character, combined with a creamy and slightly mild finish. It’s not as intense as some offerings from New Zealand, but should be considered by those looking for a tastier alternative to California versions of sauvignon blanc. Just make sure you get the Chilean version of William Cole.
A Salute!
Wine: William Cole Vineyards Columbine Special Reserve
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 13%
Rating: 85
Price: $15
Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.