Santa Rita 120 Sauvignon Blanc 2012

WineMaker's Notes: "Nuances of citrus fruit and white peach, supported by a zesty acidity and smooth texture that lingers on the palate"

120 Sauvignon Blanc - A Best Value, Parker's Wine Bargains/ Exhibits and attractive bouquet of spring flowers, citrus, and lemon-lime followed by a crisp, refreshing wine with a clean finish.

Bargain Buzz/ Very grassy and citrusy on the nose; deliciously fruity, crisp and refreshing with stone fruit and mineral undercurrents. For lovers of very grassy, New Zealand style.

Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010 - 87 points, International Wine Cellar/ Pale yellow. Lemon and lime on the nose, with a hint of herbs. Light-bodied, racy citrus flavors are appealingly clean and brisk...Easygoing and refreshing, with good finishing cut.

Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2010 - 87 points, Wine Advocate/ Santa Rita’s 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Reserva was fermented and raised in stainless steel. Aromas of herbs, baking spices, spring flowers, and citrus lead to a medium-bodied, balanced, savory Sauvignon that is a very good value meant for drinking over the next 12-18 months.

Heritage and enterprise are hallmarks of Santa Rita, one of Chile’s premier wine estates. Founded in 1880 by Domingo Fernandez in Chile’s Maipo Valley, this historic property was among the first to pioneer plantings of European grape varieties in Chile. In 1980, it was acquired by its present owner, Gruppo Claro, under whom Santa Rita has reaped the rewards of continuous investment, resulting in a period of impressive growth, during which the winery has consolidated its position in the vanguard of Chile’s most successful and innovative estates. Grapes for Santa Rita’s Medalla Real wines are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness from the estate’s best and oldest vines. With intense fruit, the Medalla Real Sauvignon Blanc is simultaneously elegant and classical in style.This wine reflects the very best that the exceptional Chilean terroir can offer. Production Area Cool temperatures in Leyda result from their proximity to Chile’s Pacific coastline, leading to a slow ripening of fruit and subsequent rich concentration of aromas. Experience has shown that these vineyards offer some of the finest terroir in South America for producing Sauvignon Blanc. Grape Varieties 100% Sauvignon Blanc Vinification In late March through mid-April, the grapes are picked, destemmed, crushed, and pressed. The free run and press juices are separated by tasting to select only the fraction that best represents the fresh and fruity characteristics and texture. The must is fermented at low temperatures to retain all of its fruitiness, and the finished wine is conserved on its lees in stainless steel for four months to develop mouthfeel and complexity. It is later clarified and cold stabilized before bottling. Color Brilliant light greenish-yellow in color Bouquet Grapefruit and lemon blossom citrus notes Taste Elegant and compact, this is a tremendously balanced wine with vibrant acidity. On the palate it develops its fruity components and delivers a long, distinctly mineral, fruit-driven finish. Alcohol 14% Serving Suggestions Ideal as an aperitif or with seafood dishes such as oysters, lobsters and shrimp.

Medalla Real Sauvignon Blanc 2009 - 89 points, Wine Enthusiast/ Pithy and peachy on the nose, and not nearly as zesty smelling as it is in the mouth, where angular, crisp acids push flavors of citrus and passionfruit. Zesty with a ton of kick, and very much in the Leyda mold of being oceanic and full of passionfruit.