Casa Lapostolle Merlot

Casa Lapostolle Merlot is a medium-bodied Chilean red wine built on 85% Merlot, bottled at 13.5–14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Guided by legendary Bordeaux consultant Michel Rolland, this bottling has earned scores of 89–92 points from James Suckling across multiple vintages, and the estate itself has been recognized among Wine & Spirits' Top 100 Wineries of the Year.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5–14%  |  Origin: Chile (Colchagua Valley, Cachapoal Valley, Casablanca Valley)  |  Merlot-dominant blend  |  Winery: Casa Lapostolle

Production & Heritage

Casa Lapostolle was founded with the explicit aim of marrying French winemaking philosophy with Chile's diverse terroirs. The estate is headquartered in Cunaco, near Santa Cruz in the Colchagua Valley, and draws fruit from vineyards spanning Colchagua's famed Apalta sub-region, the Cachapoal Valley, and the coastal Casablanca Valley. Some of the oldest vineyard blocks date back to the 1920s and contain vines originally imported from France. The Merlot is blended with a smaller portion of either Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah—typically around 14–15%—adding structural backbone. Michel Rolland, widely regarded as Bordeaux's most influential modern oenologist, serves as consulting winemaker, shaping the wine's plush, fruit-forward character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe berries and plum lead into deeper notes of baked cherry and cassis. A second pass reveals subtle hints of sweet oak, coffee, and dried herbs.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-driven, with black cherry and blackberry flavors dominating the mid-palate. As the wine opens, olive and herbal spice notes emerge alongside firm but supple tannins that give the wine a chewy, medium-weight structure.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering dark fruit and a touch of oak spice. The tannins tighten slightly on the close, leaving a clean, savory impression.

How to Drink Casa Lapostolle Merlot

This Merlot drinks best at cellar temperature—around 60–65°F—poured into a standard Bordeaux glass. It rewards drinking neat but also opens nicely with 15–20 minutes of air in a decanter.

In cocktails, the wine's ripe fruit and moderate tannins translate well: a Red Wine Sangria benefits from the plum and berry core; a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) finds balance in the wine's natural sweetness and structure; and a Mulled Wine during cooler months plays off the existing baked cherry and spice aromatics.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want a reliable, well-made red without overthinking the pairing
• Introducing someone to Chilean wine through a recognizable, approachable varietal
• Hosting a casual tasting alongside other Chilean Merlots from Colchagua Valley
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates Michel Rolland's winemaking influence

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Casa Lapostolle Merlot taste like? It is a medium-bodied red dominated by ripe black cherry, blackberry, and plum flavors, with subtle herbal spice and supple tannins that give it a lush, juicy texture.

How does Casa Lapostolle Merlot compare to Errázuriz Merlot? Both are well-regarded Chilean Merlots, but Casa Lapostolle leans into a rounder, more fruit-forward style shaped by Michel Rolland's Bordeaux-influenced approach, while Errázuriz tends toward a slightly leaner, more mineral-driven profile from its Aconcagua Valley vineyards.

Is Casa Lapostolle Merlot good for beginners? Yes—its soft tannins, generous fruit, and medium body make it one of the more approachable Chilean reds, requiring no decanting or special preparation to enjoy.

Where is Casa Lapostolle Merlot made? Casa Lapostolle is based in Cunaco near Santa Cruz in Chile's Colchagua Valley, with vineyards spanning the Colchagua, Cachapoal, and Casablanca valleys.

What foods pair well with Casa Lapostolle Merlot? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's herbal undertones; roasted pork loin echoes its fruit sweetness; beef empanadas match its medium weight; pasta with tomato-based sauces mirrors the wine's acidity; and semi-firm cheeses like Manchego balance the tannin structure.

What sizes does Casa Lapostolle Merlot come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Casa Lapostolle Merlot worth the price? It positions as a solid entry-level to mid-range Chilean red, delivering consultant-winemaker quality and consistent critical scores of 89–92 points at a price point well below most Rolland-associated wines worldwide.

Why Casa Lapostolle Merlot?

Few Chilean Merlots at this price tier carry the pedigree of a Michel Rolland consultation. The estate's access to some of Chile's oldest vine material—blocks dating to the 1920s with original French cuttings—gives it a depth of raw material that most competitors in the category simply cannot match. Consistent James Suckling scores of up to 92 points and recognition from Wine & Spirits reinforce that the wine delivers beyond its weight class. For drinkers exploring Chile's Merlot landscape, this bottling serves as both an introduction and a benchmark.