not-So-Pretentious Wine Reviews...except merlot.

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In stark contrast was the Casa Lapostolle, Casablanca Valley, Cuvée Alexandre Chardonnay 2004, a perennial favorite in the wine press that typically garners numerous 90+ point reviews. More than half of the wine underwent fermentation in new French oak, resulting in the classic aromas of “New World” Chardonnay, namely vanilla and oak. Less than 2% of the wine, however, underwent malolactic fermentation resulting in a white that was elegant, crisp and nicely balanced, with floral notes, rich tastes of white fruits and sweet spices. Although I preferred the regular Chardonnay to the Cuvée Alexandre, the wine was elegant, well-made and sure to appeal to Chardonnay fans. Grade: B.

Next on the tasting list was the Casa Lapostolle, Rapel Valley, Merlot 2004. Strangely, the sample bottle was missing. Due to our late arrival time, it was already past six when we were conducting our tasting and the office was closed. I’m assuming someone grabbed the open bottle on their way out to have with dinner. I’m certain that it had nothing to do with the name of our website.

Accordingly, the first of the red wines was the Casa Lapostolle, Rapel Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2004. This wine has been a staple in our household for years; it is consistently good and reliable. 2003 was an exceptional vintage, but we tasted the 2004 vintage which was just released. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Carmenère, the wine was floral, with a light ruby color, smooth and elegant with nice balance between its sweet, red cherry fruit and soft tannins. Much more refined than the brawny 2003 vintage, the wine was simple and nice. This would make an excellent dinner companion. Grade: B/B+.

Ironically (at least for us at NoMerlot.com), the wine that put Casa Lapostolle on the map was their Cuvée Alexandre Merlot. One of the drawbacks of the name of our website is the perception that we hate all Merlots, when in fact, we only want to bash bad Merlot. I’ve always liked Chilean Merlots and I was quite impressed with the Casa Lapostolle, Colchagua Valley, Cuvée Alexandre Merlot 2004. A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Carmenère, the wine was sourced from non-irrigated 60 year old vines from the Apalta Vineyard. The wine was a deep purple/ruby hue with aromas of plums and cherries. Rich, smooth and elegant, with intense flavors of fresh red fruits intermingled with mocha, this Merlot was nicely structured with firm tannins and a beautiful finish. Grade: A-.

On the other hand, I was slightly disappointed with the Casa Lapostolle, Colchagua Valley, Cuvée Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, the last wine of our tasting. I’ve had previous vintages of this wine and always thought it was pretty good. The 2004 vintage, however, was a difficult one in Chile. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot that is also sourced from non-irrigated 60 year old vines from the Apalta Vineyard, the wine showed a dark reddish