Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Merlot 2000

Drank this in 2009.
The wine was probably on the decline, but was still quite drinkable and interesting. The fruit was very subdued and the acidity seemed a tad too high. The tannins were smooth.

October 2009

Deep, intense red ruby color. Elegant and complex nose, with plenty of red fruit and blackberry flavors mixed with notes of toasty oak and spices. The 2000 Cuvee Alexandre Merlot shows an incredible quality of smooth, round and well integrated tannins, that makes it veryapproachable right now. However, this attractive wine will gain in complexity and harmony if cellared for a few years.

Rating: 18/20 - As reviewed by Jancis Robinson Quite a low-key scent with some black pepper notes thanks to its Carmenère content. Extremely full and round. An exciting blend. Chewy, intense and savoury. It might well last longer than I predict but it will be difficult to hold off this bargain.

Rating: 17/20 - As reviewed by Jancis Robinson Full-on expression of fully ripe Merlot from Chile's Merlot heartland made with advice from the Prince of Pomerol himself, Michel Rolland, who works exclusively in Chile with the French-owned Casa Lapostolle. There is all the mineral vein and rare beef flavour of Merlot here without perhaps the full subtle undertow one would expect on the right bank. Drink this over the next two or three years and wallow in it.

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by The Wine Advocate

Rating: 89/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 10/15/02