Lapostolle Apalta 2022
Lapostolle Apalta 2022 is a dry, full-bodied red from Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Syrah (Apalta, Chile), in the juicy, fruity reds style. Tannins are moderate and acidity moderate; oak influence is none. Good with steak, lamb, barbecue, pizza. Drink now or within 10 years (to about 2032). No need to decant. Critic score 93/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 Hope Family Wines · California | £28.90 | |||
| Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Merlot 2022 Lapostolle · Apalta | £18.67 | |||
| Bodegas Urbina Rioja Crianza 2015 Bodegas Urbina · Rioja | £17.99 | |||
| Escorihuela Gascon Malbec Grand Reserve Escorihuela Gascon · Mendoza | £16.95 |
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Founded in 1994 by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle, a descendant of the family that created Grand Marnier liqueur, Lapostolle is a Chilean winery located in the Apalta Valley. Here, the clay, gravel, and granite soils and the unique microclimate characterized by sunny days and cool nights create ideal conditions for varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, and Syrah. Lapostolle Apalta is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, and small amounts of Syrah and Merlot. The grapes are selected and harvested by hand from the estate's vineyards. After harvesting and fermenting in stainless steel at a controlled temperature, 70% of the wine ages for 8 months in used French oak barrels and the remainder in stainless steel tanks. The result is a balanced and complex wine that combines the power of Cabernet Sauvignon with the spicy character of Carmenère and a touch of exuberance from Syrah, creating an elegant blend. In the glass, the wine reveals a dense, dark color with violet reflections. Its aromatic profile is broad and expressive, with notes of black fruits interspersed with spicy, balsamic, olive, coffee, and chocolate hints. On the palate, it is rich, silky, and rounded, but not opulent. It has a juicy and lively character, a balanced structure, and fine tannins. The finish is long and fresh. It is the perfect wine to serve at a barbecue.