Jamessuckling.com | JS 94
Published: Jun 8, 2022

A spicy carmenere with nice complexity and freshness. Tapenade, currants and black cherries with grilled tarragon and a hint of roasted red pepper. A juicy, medium- to full-bodied palate that underscores the freshness and length. Fresh, medium acidity for carmenere with fine-grained tannins. Drink or hold. 

The Wine Advocate | RP 91
Published: Apr 6, 2023

The 2021 Cuvée Alexandre Carmenère has 3% Merlot and is ripe at 14.5% alcohol, juicy and tasty but with limited varietal character, nicely crafted and with some black pepper in the finish. 39,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2022.

Lapostolle is the winery from the second generation of the Marnier family, represented by Charles de Bournet Marnier Lapostolle. They have vineyards in Apalta and produce 1.2 million bottles. Winemaker Andrea León is in charge of the wines. They produce an outstanding Vigno from old Cariñena in the Empedrado part of Maule. Drink Date:
2023 - 2026

Lapostollewines.com

VINTAGE: 2021
TYPE OF WINE: Carmenère
D.O.: Apalta
VARIETIES: 97% Carmenère  3% Syrah
HARVEST: April 29th to May 7th
PRODUCTION: 4.586 cases of 9L equivalent

TASTING NOTE
COLOR: Deep purple red.
NOSE: Expressive with black fruits such as maqui, ripe plums and blackberry. Spicy notes in the aftertaste.
PALATE: Elegant, medium acidity and round tannins. Good volume and concentration of ripe red fruit, juicy palate with a long lasting finish.
SERVICE AND FOOD PAIRING
Decant and serve at 16°C (60°F). Ideal for elaborate dishes, well-seasoned red meats and pastas.
TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol Content: 14.5% vol.
pH: 3.75
Total Acidity: 3.28 gr/L (SO4)
Residual Sugar: 2.18 gr/L
AVAILABLE FORMATS: 75cL.
WINEMAKING
Maceration Time: 28 days
Fermentation Type: 100% in Stainless Steel Tanks
Fermentation Temperature: 24C- 28C
Ageing: 100% of the blend was aged in 225L French oak for 13 months, 10% new and 90% second use.
Bottling Date: Junio 2022
Ageing Potential: 10 years

VINTAGE CONDITIONS IN 2021
The year 2021 was a great challenge, with a scenario of climatic alterations and the development of the COVID-19 pandemic. The winter was mild, with temperatures 2% higher. With a good amount of rainfall, 63% more than the previous vintage, but still 6% less than historical data. Spring changed the temperature pattern with a greater thermal amplitude, so flowering came 10 days earlier than average. No frosts or heat waves were recorded. The summer brought with it a climatic phenomenon called "atmospheric river" which resulted in a rainfall of 68 mm from January 29 to 31, never recorded before and coinciding with grape veraison. Following this event, temperatures became consistently cooler, 12% cooler on average. These conditions brought with them fungal disease pressure, especially on early varieties such as Syrah and Garnacha. We had to act quickly to avoid any problems, and we established cultural practices to keep our vineyards ventilated (leaf thinning, shoot thinning and green harvesting), while emphasizing the strictest quality selection in the winery. The autumn was fortunately dry and cool, which helped to maintain the health of the vines. Under these important cool conditions maturity came slowly, the average heat was lower than seen in the last four vintages which was ultimately a positive factor. Yields were generous considering the challenges we faced, and more importantly, with grapes that produced excellent quality wines. Having ripened the vines in cooler conditions, the wines show great deep color, with elegant tannins and a juicy texture. Moderate alcohol levels, an expressive nose and elegant structure reflect the vintage conditions.