The 2009 SoldeSol Chardonnay comes from 15-year old vines aged in French oak for 8 months of which 15% is new. It has a reticent bouquet with subtle notes of guava and passion fruit that is well defined. The palate is crisp and taut on the entry. It is very linear and quite conservative for a Chilean Chardonnay with hints of freshly sliced lime, crushed stone and white peach towards the pretty finish. This is a fine Chardonnay that is well crafted and thoroughly enjoyable. Drink now-2016. Vina Aquitania was the first winery that I visited in Chile, located in the never-ending suburbs of Santiago. It was founded back in 1984 by former proprietor of Chateau Cos d’Estournel, Bruno Prats, Chilean oenologist Felipe de Solminihac and Paul Pontallier of Chateau Margaux, since joined by Ghislain de Montgolfier. In 1990 the partners acquired the Quebrada de Macul vineyard, at a time when Santiago was yet to encroach this far down the Maipo Valley. (See also my MOVI report for their SoldeSol wines from the Malleco Valley.) The “Soldesol” line from Vina Aquitania comes from a vineyard located 650km south of Santiago in the Malleco Valley in Traiguen. It became part of Aquitania from proprietor Eduardo de Solminihac’s family of in-laws. The fruit is transported long-distance overnight to the winery in Santiago.Importer: T. Edward Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 233-1504

Vina Aquitania’s gold-colored 2008 Sol del Sol Chardonnay spent 8 months in 15% new French oak. Notions of toasty oak, stony minerals, and melon inform the nose of a smooth-textured, vibrant, concentrated wine. In the glass it displays excellent breadth, volume, and balance with an acid structure that should keep it in fine form for another 4-5 years. A 2009 Sol de Sol Pinot Noir could not be recommended.Importer: T. Edward Wines, New York, NY; www.tedwardwines.com