Viña Tabalí, Talinay, Sauvignon Blanc

I sometimes have been torn over the name of this website. Specifically, the inclusion of “cheap” in the name because it can be a loaded word. On one hand, it can be a positive in reference to lower prices that are affordable. On the other hand, it can be interpreted to imply low quality. My editorial focus on this website is strictly on the positive aspects of cheap — affordability. In fact, I avoid wines I think are low quality. People come here looking for recommendations of good wines at affordable prices, and that’s what I hope to give them.

Along those lines, I believe Chilean wines suffer from an unfair negative bias of cheapness. For years, Chile has been known as a source for inexpensive (i.e., cheap) wines. I certainly have endorsed Chilean wines as excellent bargains over the years. But I think their reputation as a low-cost region might cause some wine connoisseurs to underestimate the quality of the wines coming from Chile. Despite the generally low cost of their wines, make no mistake, Chile is producing some serious, fine wine, worthy of recognition. In my opinion, their Sauviginon Blanc is one of the stars in the Chilean wine portfolio and I consider it to be some of the best Sauvignon Blanc on the planet!

Recently, I’ve been highlighting Sauvignon Blanc from the coastal region of Chile, highlighting wines such as Montes Sauvignon Blanc from Leyda Valley, Viña Morandé Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc and Casas del Bosque, La Cantera from Casablanca Valley and Ventisquero Wine Estates, Grey, Sauvignon Blanc from the Huasco River Valley. The wine I’m reviewing today, Viña Tabalí, Talinay, comes from another part of the coastal region, Limari Valley.

The Limari Valley is known for having calcium-rich, calcareous soils and as a cool climate region with a strong oceanic influence that brings fog in the mornings and cool breezes in the afternoons. The Limari Valley wine I’m reviewing today is named after the mountain range next to the vineyard, Cordillera de Talinay. The vineyard doesn’t get a significant amount of rain, in fact you could say this is a desert region. As such, water for the vines is irrigated from the nearby Limari River. These conditions help drive acidity and concentration in Sauvignon Blanc produced here.

Tasting Notes

This wine has delightful floral aromatics, coupled with wet stone and citrus aromas. The palate is an elegant expression of lemon and saline minerals along with some subtle red and green pepper notes, which are most noticeable on the finish. The acidity of this wine is fantastic, making for a vibrant lively wine that will pair beautifully with seafood, salads and vegetables. The mouthfeel is pleasant. The finish is stellar.

Wine: Viña Tabalí, Talinay, Sauvignon Blanc
Varieties: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2021
Alcohol: 13%
Rating: 92
Average price: $24.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.