Beverage Testing Institute:  Designated as a "Best Buy". "Pale straw. Vibrant gooseberry, grapefruit, and bell pepper aromas follow through on a round, silky entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with very good depth, vibrancy and smoothness. Finishes with a lingering grass and mineral accented fade. This has an intensity reminiscent of NZ but with mellowing minerality that will shine at the table.  Drink now to 2015." 

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:  Rated as Very Good to Excellent.  "Light, bright yellow. Good definition to the aromas of citrus and orchard fruits, white flowers and mint. Fatter and denser than the 1865 bottling but looser-knit as well. Apple and pear flavors show good depth and are lifted by a dusty lime pith quality. The finish is juicy and nicely persistent, with the pear note repeating." Mar/Apr 2010

Winery: "The 2009 harvest was influenced by "La Niña", which produces a decrease in temperature which then leads to low rainfall and high temperatures. Spring 2008-2009 was been submitted to high temperatures, but similar to those of a normal year, a total absence of frost. Then the temperature rose even more and even extended until late April, a period in which no rainfall was recorded. The harvest of the white varieties are usually done within the estimated timing, especially in areas near the sea, where marine influence offset the high temperatures observed during the season. Clusters were observed to be heavier in general, but with good health, which originated fruity wines, good aromatic intensity and elegance."

Wired For Wine:  Make room in the fridge and wine closet, winelovers, because you are going to want to hoard this elegant and fruity summer sipper!  Open your first bottle of Castillo de Molina Sauvignon Blanc Reserva, and enjoy the vibrant, light fruit solo.  It a terrific aperitif.  If you're hungry, there's no shame in setting out a colorful platter of insalata caprese, ripe tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil sprinkled with EVOO, balsamico and a fine sea salt.  The lovely depth, grass and mineral notes, varied fruit, and floral and mint nuances give great leeway as to the pairing options for this Reserva white.  Chicken, seafood, shellfish, salads and grilled pork alike will work well.  We love olive oil poached salmon with braised artichokes and Sauvignon Blanc with the grassy, minerally side of this Castillo de Molina.  The deliciously smokey flavor of grill-roasted clam linguine and the briney kick it delivers is intoxicating with the vibrant citrus in this Chilean blanco.  We can't resist it with pan-roasted Stilton chicken with apples either...  Clean those plates and then open another bottle to enjoy with a French Sainte Maure chevre.  It's dense, buttery and smooth - in other words, perfect for the juicy, persistent finish of this Elqui Valley white.  A su salud, winelovers!

Size:  750ml, screw cap
Varietal:  100% Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol:  13.3%
Region:   Coquimbo, Chile