Lapostolle 1999 Clos Apalta Red (Chile)

Once again, arguably the best wine in Chile is this beauty from what may eventually become recognized as a world-class site for red wines—the dry-farmed, old-vines Apalta Vineyard. Fermentation involving big wood vats and the utmost in human attention yields a pure, stately wine that’s equal parts power and finesse. Blendwise, it’s mostly Merlot, and the flavors are all about kirsch, plum liqueur and chocolate. Give it several years to fully blossom. Editors’ Choice.