Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Merlot 2005

January 2, 2008 at 5:21 pm · Filed under Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Merlot wine Chile

Region: Non irrigated 60 year old vines. Apalta Vineyard, Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley.
Grape: 85% Merlot, 15% Carmenère.
Harvest: Hand-harvested from 8th of April in small baskets of 15 kg. Coming from non irrigated 60 years old vines of limited yields: 5.3 tons/ha (2.5 tons/acre) for the Merlot 3.5 tons/ha (1.5 tons/acre) for the Carmenère. The 2004-2005 season began with a dry winter and a cool and cloudy spring. Summer was dry. During the last two weeks of February, the temperatures climbed, which had the effect of correcting the delays observed during the early stages of the growth. The temperature decreased in March and the month of April was exceptionally sunny, helping to achieve a perfect ripening process. Lower yields combined with great climatic conditions generated and exceptional vintage 2005.

TASTING
Color: Deep red with purple shadows.
Nose: Intense, ripe red fruit typical of Apalta wines. Plums & cherries integrate well with the delicate oak touches of sweet spice, nutmeg and vanilla.
Mouth: A generous attack is followed by a pleasant and smooth mid palate. The finish is persistent and the overall structure is vivacious and well balanced. Ready to drink now or cellar for several years.

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Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexander Merlot 2004

November 15, 2007 at 6:06 am · Filed under Rapel Valley, Merlot wine Chile

If you want to broaden your view of Merlot, try this chilean wine. This, and many others from South America and places like Washington State and Northern Italy will surely redefine your view of Merlot. If you think of Merlot as the simple, sweet restaurant by-the-glass default, you’re missing out. Move past those wines, and discover Merlot such as this Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexander. It has heft and real, elegant wine qualities. What gets my attention is that it’s slightly dryer and more earthy than what I expect from Merlot. This is a very nice wine for US$19 and it has educated my palate. Raise a glass!

Tasting notes:
Berries and earth bouquet
Nice fruit core on the palate, a lot of layers unfold
Very dry finish for Merlot

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Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot, Santa Ema Vineyard, Barrel Select 2004. Maipo Valley

May 29, 2007 at 7:37 am · Filed under Rapel Valley, Maipo Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon wine Chile, Merlot wine Chile, Red blended wines Chile

Santa Ema Vineyard Presentation:
CHARACTERISTICS

Color : Ruby Red.
Aroma : Complex and deep; You can feel soft notes of plum, blackberry and some vanilla mixed with a pleasant toasty taste in your nose.
Flavors: Delicious, elegant with mature tannis, good structure and persistent final.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Varietal composition : 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot.
Region : Maipo and Rapel Valley.
Vinification : This Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were elaborated from selected grapes of our vineyards located in the Maipo and Rapel Valleys where the grape was specially harvested by hand and fermented in stainless steel tanks at 28° with selected yeast.
Oak Maturation : 5 months in american oak barrel and at least 8 months bottled before release.

SurVino:

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