We’ve been buying good, moderately priced Sauvignon Blancs from Chile for the past few years, so I was happy to try half a dozen more from all over the country, when I got the chance. All six are vintage 2008, which means they’ve been on the market for several months. They’ve lost that ultra-new quality and are ready to drink. The first three wines are lighter, while the last three are more complex, better with food.

Bio Bio Valley is not only a great name but a region with a lot of buzz, and its Gracia de Chile Reserva 2008 Sauvignon Blanc “Luminoso” opened gracefully into a medium light wine with gooseberry notes, minerality and plenty of acid in its finish.

Francois Lurton’s Hacienda Araucano 2008 Sauvignon Blanc comes from the Valle Central, and its emphasis is on fruit, with a touch of minerality and underlying notes of what some call “cat’s pee” – not necessarily a negative in this wine.

Also from the Central Valley is Xplorador 2008 Sauvignon Blanc produced by Concha Y Toro. This wine is crisp, crisp, crisp, with citric accents.

Santa Carolina 2008 Sauvignon Blanc from the Valle del Rapel is nicely balanced, and very pleasant to drink with a medium-light tropical fruit quality enduring through aromas, body and finish.

Casas del Bosque 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Gran Reserva comes from the Casablanca Valley. It’s very nicely balanced, with light touches of lemony acidity and plenty of the meadow-herb qualities I particularly enjoy.

The Leyda Valley’s Luise Felipe Edwards “Family Selection” 2008 Sauvignon Blanc appealed to everyone, and went on to be enjoyed with dinner, balancing tropical fruit and herbs very satisfyingly as it opened up. At the end of the evening, this bottle had the least left in it.

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…Santa Barbara County Sauvignon Blanc — tasted 20 years ago and never forgotten – with its heady aromas of sweet grass meadows and herbs, its balanced body and crispness. I’ve sipped it for the past few evenings with simple and complex salads, and it holds up beautifully paired with a variety of flavors. Super-easy too, as it’s a screwcap. Firestone Vineyard Santa Ynez Valley 2008 Sauvignon Blanc

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