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Mi Casa Lapostolle, su Casa Lapostolle

By Darryl Beeson

There is a greater sophistication in managing the vineyards in Chile, as  winemakers and viticulturalists have increased their awareness of the importance of "terroir" and of growing different grape varieties where the soils and climate best suit them. The newly discovered region for growing Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, for example, is the Casablanca area near Valparaiso, which resembles the Carneros District in California. High-density plantings, research with newly available clones, drip irrigation and canopy management are now widespread. Casa Lapostolle creates a distinctive Chardonnay from this unique region.

Casa Lapostolle is the exciting investment of the Lapostolle family rooted in France. Their name is associated with the remarkable orange and Cognac based spirit, Grand Marnier. The leading wineries in Chile are positioned to match and exceed the world's best wines. They have drawn large amounts of foreign capital in partnerships with wineries in France, California and other important winegrowing regions.

More details are at www.casalapostolle.com.

Casa Lapostolle Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley 2004
Price $10                    
Rating 89
Aromas of fresh melon, delicate citrus and soft herbal are in the sniff. The sip reveals dried fig, mineral and tropical melon. The oak is limited. The alcohol is a little high at 13.5%, perhaps over-powering the fruit for some. Serve this interesting white with soft fleshed fish, pasta Alfredo or with sauteed boneless chicken breast with fresh rosemary.

Casa Lapostolle "Cuvee Alexandra" Merlot, Colchagua 2004
Price $20                    
Rating 93
The color is dark. Gentle aromas of plum and oak are in the nose. The sip is rich with raspberry, plum and soft oak complexity in the long length. Serve this luscious and complex red with leaner cuts of steak, veal chops or with grilled gourmet sausages.

Casa Lapostolle "Cuvee Alexandra" Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua 2004
Price $18                    
Rating 92
The flavors are complex with with black fruit, cedar, red fruit and soft mineral throughout the long length. Serve this concentrated red with richly marbled beef, lusty beef stew with winter vegetables, or with

Casa Lapostolle "Borobo" Red Blend, Chile 2001
Price $70                    
Rating 95
Aromas of dark fruit, tar and delicate floral are followed by flavors of black fruit, black pepper, toasty oak, leather and blackberry in the powerful, long length.

Casa Lapostolle "Borobo" Red Blend, Chile 2002
Price $70                    
Rating 95
The nose is composed of diverse elements like dark fruit, toasty oak, refined leather and delicate menthol. The massive and powerful sip showcases deep, dark fruit, pencil lead, raspberry and balanced oak.

Casa Lapostolle "Borobo" Red Blend, Chile 2003
Price $70                    
Rating 95
The nose is somber with black fruit and mineral. The sip offers black fruit, raspberry and refined leather. There are notes of black pepper in the long finish.

Don Silvestre Ochagavia, a Chilean aristocrat, brought back stocks of classic vitis vinifera from Europe to plant on his estate near Santiago in 1851. These noble varieties thrived in what is now known as the Central Valley in the heartland of Chile. This Central Valley in the middle of country has a perfect Mediterranean climate, deep and fertile soils, with the Andes providing a reliable source of water for irrigation. Due to its geographical isolation, Chile is one of the few places in the world to still have phylloxera-free vines planted on their own roots.

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Darryl Beeson travels the world looking for great wine finds. Says writer Roy Blount, Jr., “Wine is tough, but I know Darryl can do it.”

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