Few would argue that Casa Lapostolle makes the world's greatest value Merlot under its Cuvée Alexandre label. And the winery produces some other notable wines.
1997 Rapel Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($10) A perfect aperitif wine. Light, dry and crisp, and a particularly good buy.
1997 Cuvée Alexandre Merlot ($20) Rich and full bodied, with ripe, intense blackberry flavors and an elegant, almost Cabernet-like structure. In short, it's wonderful.
1997 Cuvée Alexandre Cabernet Sauvignon ($20) Good but simply not in the same league as the Merlot. It's pleasant, and a bit more forward, with soft, subtle tannins.
1997 Cuvée Alexandre Chardonnay ($20) An ultra-oaky, new-world-style Chardonnay that's flavorful and full bodied.
1997 Clos Apalta ($40) This fall marks the first appearance of this super-concentrated, luxurious cuvée from the Apalta vineyard. Thanks to ripe lush fruit, it's immediately enjoyable but has the structure to age. The price is fair, too.
--Lettie Teague