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02/03/2003 Archived Entry: "Wine Buy: Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2002"

If any version of Sauvignon Blanc could be called the Un-Sauvignon Blanc, then Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2002, from Chile, is it. Among other reasons, it is the most floral and aromatic Chilean SB I've ever experienced.

When I first swirled it in my glass, and proceeded to smell its aroma, I thought immediately of New Zealand Sauvignons, which are usually grapefruity and very herbaceous, with generally little or no hints of oak. It was also very reminiscent of Sancerre from the Loire Valley. Others thought that it was so floral that it must be Riesling, or anything but Sauvignon Blanc.

Regardless: This wine won me over at first sniff.

Montes is a Chilean winery to follow. Started in 1988 by a group of partners including Aurelio Montes, winemaker extraordinaire, the winery is a trailblazers in setting the high standards of which Chile is certainly capable.

Montes produces numerous bottlings. The Sauvignon Blanc is a part of the “Reserve” series. This retails for $9.99 a bottle.

For a few dollars more, try any of the Montes Alpha wines. If you really want to go for the glory, try the Alpa M bottling. Stellar for the cellar.

Montes wines are distributed by Lauber Imports.