Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Atalayas Vineyard Chardonnay 2008
Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Atalayas Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 is a 750mL single-vineyard white wine from the Atalayas Vineyard in Chile's coastal Casablanca Valley — 100% Chardonnay, hand-harvested in the early mornings of late March through April 2008 into small 15kg cases after a cold, dry winter and a dry growing season. In the cellar, 40% was whole-cluster pressed and 60% macerated into the press; 54% fermented in French barrels and 46% in stainless steel, with no malolactic fermentation, for elegance and freshness. Wine Spectator scored the 2008 at 90 points and Wine Enthusiast at 89, both in 2010. This is a mature back-vintage bottle. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: Not verified for the 2008 vintage — not stated (see applier flag)
- Size: 750mL
- Vintage: 2008
- Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
- Vineyard: Atalayas Vineyard, Casablanca Valley, Chile — Lapostolle's coastal vineyard
- Vinification (2008): Hand-harvested; 40% whole-cluster pressed, 60% maceration; 54% fermented in French barrels, 46% in stainless steel; no malolactic fermentation
- Scores: 90 points — Wine Spectator (2010); 89 points — Wine Enthusiast (2010)
- Producer: Lapostolle — founded 1994 by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and Cyril de Bournet
French by Essence, Chilean by Birth
Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle — great-granddaughter of the founder of Grand Marnier — and her husband Cyril de Bournet founded Lapostolle in 1994, and Cuvée Alexandre, named for her, is the house's premium single-vineyard tier; the Chardonnay's first vintage was 2001. The Atalayas Vineyard sits in the cool, ocean-influenced Casablanca Valley, and the 2008 was made for elegance over weight: no malolactic conversion, a little over half the wine fermented in French oak, the rest in steel. Both major reviews in 2010 advised drinking it then — this bottle is offered today as the mature, developed wine it has become. Explore the estate on the Lapostolle vendor page or across the white wine collection.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Sweet citrus fruit, white flowers, fresh tropical fruit and sweet spices (winery notes); the 2010 reviews found pear, apple and fig with piecrust and brioche. Palate: Round and elegant with lively acidity — pineapple, papaya, honey and toasted flavours in the Wine Enthusiast review. Finish: Long and persistent, with a hazelnut hint (Wine Spectator).
How to Enjoy
Serve chilled, and pour it soon after opening — a mature white is best enjoyed in one sitting. It suits rich seafood, roast poultry and creamy dishes that match its developed, toasty depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the alcohol level of the 2008? No verified figure for the 2008 vintage could be found in winery or importer documents — figures published for other vintages of this cuvée run 14–14.5%, but they are not this bottle's spec. Check the label.
How was the 2008 made? Hand-harvested at Atalayas; 40% whole-cluster pressed and 60% macerated, then 54% barrel-fermented in French oak and 46% in stainless steel, with no malolactic fermentation.
Is a 2008 Chardonnay still good? Both 2010 reviews (Wine Spectator 90, Wine Enthusiast 89) rated it highly and advised drinking it young; it is now a fully mature bottle, sold as a back-vintage wine with developed flavours.
A piece of Casablanca history from a founding Chilean estate — order the Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre 2008 at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.