The 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Coastal EQ is a bit more aromatic and lifted on the nose. Ripe, full-flavored, and more concentrated than its sibling, it too will provide pleasure over the next 1-2 years. The nature of Chile’s wine industry mitigates against small, boutique wineries. One of the few that comes close to qualifying is the biodynamically farmed Matetic winery. It is a brilliantly run winery whose youthful vineyards will only get better with the passage of time.Importer: Quintessential Wines, Napa, CA; www.quintessentialwines.com

A ripe, showy style, displaying lots of melon, yellow apple and glazed pear flavors kept honest by fresh acidity on the finish. Very tasty. Drink now. 920 cases made.??–JM??Region: Chile / San Antonio Select to Add

Plump and honeyed on the nose, with papaya, mustard seed and other drier, less opulent white fruit notes. The palate has an oaky, resiny feel along with woody, spicy flavors of baked apple, citrus and tropical fruit. Overall this is a very nice, top-level Chilean Chard but one that’s oaky and smells and tastes like it. ——M.S.(4/1/2011)—— 89