Palo Alto Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2008

The minerality of this wine is almost Loire-like—quite an achievement for a New World Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, the subtlety and self-confidence of the Palo Alto are amazing, its nose quietly singing with hints of apricot and fresh-cut grass, the palate buttressed by bright, lingering acidity, super-fresh pineapple, grapefruit and grapefruit-skin oil, and those mineral notes from the nose that return on the elegant finish.

And despite its light body, there is a real sense of density on the mid-palate, a texture that ever so briefly hints at something almost oily. Because of that texture, this is a wine that, while perfect as an aperitif or paired with classic summertime suppers, also rewards a bit of contemplation.

This is yet another stellar offering from Chile, which, for my money, is producing some of the most exciting, affordable whites in the world right now.