Clos Apalta
Valle de Apalta Red Blend
Colchagua Valley, Rapel Valley, Central Valley, Chile
Impenetrable in colour - incredibly dark. Noticeably oaky as an initial impression, dusty amongst the red and blue berries but generally contained to begin with. The palate is full bodied with that oak influence - very polished. 46% Carmenere, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon,, 19% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. If tasted blind I would swear this was Cabernet Sauvignon dominant but when you realise that Carmenere has its origins in Bordeaux it makes sense. With more time in the decanter more cassis and blackberry coming through on that rich full bodied and brooding palate. Tannins resolving. Oak not as dominant as initially. James Suckling gave this 100 points and stated that this was South America’s greatest red wine, which is a big call. Interestingly Clos Apalta is owned and the wine is made by the French. Had my last bottle 117 weeks later on 26 July 2024 with similar notes. Red and black berry fruits on nose. Also earth, cinnamon and tobacco leaf. Interesting history of the grape Carmenere which is Bordeaux in origin and has thrived in Chile.
Impenetrable in colour - incredibly dark. Noticeably oaky as an initial impression, dusty amongst the red and blue berries but generally contained to begin with. The palate is full bodied with that oak influence - very polished. 46% Carmenere, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon,, 19% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. If tasted blind I would swear this was Cabernet Sauvignon dominant but when you realise that Carmenere has its origins in Bordeaux it makes sense. With more time in the decanter more cassis and blackberry coming through on that rich full bodied and brooding palate. Tannins resolving. Oak not as dominant as initially. James Suckling gave this 100 points and stated that this was South America’s greatest red wine, which is a big call. Interestingly Clos Apalta is owned and the wine is made by the French. Had my last bottle 117 weeks later on 26 July 2024 with similar notes. Red and black berry fruits on nose. Also earth, cinnamon and tobacco leaf. Interesting history of the grape Carmenere which is Bordeaux in origin and has thrived in Chile.
May 2nd, 2022
Such a good wine. Enormous flavour. Typical crowd pleaser
Such a good wine. Enormous flavour. Typical crowd pleaser
Oct 9th, 2020
Bangin. Decadent black fruit, lush and full bodied, bittersweet cocoa at end. Could prob age longer but approachable with 2 hour decant. Had with Vicia for Ally’s b day.
Bangin. Decadent black fruit, lush and full bodied, bittersweet cocoa at end. Could prob age longer but approachable with 2 hour decant. Had with Vicia for Ally’s b day.
Oct 5th, 2020
One of the best wines Chile produced in 2015 - rocking wine !!!
One of the best wines Chile produced in 2015 - rocking wine !!!
May 8th, 2020
2 of my best 100 point wines ever. Chile has something going on.
2 of my best 100 point wines ever. Chile has something going on.
Feb 1st, 2020
Very balanced wine, all is in the right place here! Impressive elegance and power...
Big wine... WoW 🥰
Very balanced wine, all is in the right place here! Impressive elegance and power...
Big wine... WoW 🥰
This is a great example of a chilean wine
This is a great example of a chilean wine
Oct 6th, 2019