The 2012 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc has light green apple and a touch of nettle on the nose. The palate is crisp with a touch of spice on the entry and then drifts a little before a citric finish. Drink now-2013. Amaral is part of the Montgras portfolio that seeks out the cool climate vineyards of the Leyda Valley. The first of the 91 hectares of plantings were in 2006: 66 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc with Chardonnay and more recently Pinot Noir and Syrah beside the Maipo River. The soils are mainly on glacial alluvial deposits. The winemaker is Jaime de la Cerda, who said that he is pursuing a slightly less reductive approach of winemaking.Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642; and Enotria (UK)

The 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Reserva was fermented and aged in stainless steel. Notions of lemon and other citrus, cut grass, herbs, and stony minerals inform the nose of a spicy, vibrant, mouth-filling wine that is an excellent value meant for drinking over the next 12-18 months. The MontGras portfolio proved to be a mixed bag as some of the wines could not be recommended. However, the above wines generally offer excellent value.Importer: Palm Bay Imports, Port Washington, NY; tel. (516) 802-4724