Clos Apalta 2021
“One of the world’s greatest red wines“
James Suckling
Clos Apalta, one of Chile’s legendary wines, has released their 100-point 2021 at £465 per 6 bottles in-bond.
With a rich history dating back to 1910, Clos Apalta has been under the ownership of the Lapostolle family since 1997. Through their vision, hard work and dedication they have transformed Clos Apalta into “one of the world’s greatest red wines”, according to James Suckling.
Clos Apalta is a unique, distinguished wine for the region. With a high proportion of organically grown, old-vine Carménère dominating the blend, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this is a modern Bordeaux lovers dream. Refined and harmonious, Clos Apalta 2021 is silky, rich and balanced, showcasing the characteristics of the vintage brilliantly, while maintaining a consistent house style.
This is the finest Clos Apalta ever made. Secure your stocks now.
2021 Clos Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile
Extremely aromatic with red currants, blackcurrants, spices, iodine, paprika and subtle hints of white pepper. Fresh flowers, fresh sage, lavender and some pine needles and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with perfectly integrated tannins that go on for minutes with refined and harmonious fruit that integrates beautifully into the wine, giving it a weightless structure that shows class and verve. Endless balance and length. It’s so balanced that you could drink it now but it will age for decades. A blend of 75% carmenere, 18% cabernet sauvignon and 7% merlot. Best after 2028.
100 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
The 2021 Clos Apalta comprises 75% Carménère, with the remainder filled out by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, sourced from the eponymous Apalta Vineyard. It was aged for 24 months in oak barrels, two-thirds of which were new. This dark purple wine reveals nuanced aromas of graphite, herbs, dried plums and blackberry marmalade, complemented by mint, boldo and garrigue-like notes over a green bell pepper layer. Plush and ample on the palate, it is lifted by a mild refreshing quality that adds a rare nimbleness to its flow. This long-lasting red is a serious wine, less influenced by Michel Rolland’s style than in other years, as the fresh vintage imparted a lighter, less ripe and more expressive character. Clos Apalta is one of those rare Chilean wines that reliably showcases the characteristics of each vintage while maintaining a consistent house style. That steadiness is a boon for consumers, as it allows them to appreciate the impact of different vintages, which is a significant part of the allure of high-quality wines.
98 Points, Joaquin Hidalgo, vinous.com
Hillside granitic vineyards, alongside older vines dating back to 1907 on the flatlands. A kick of spice greets you on the opening, this is reserved at first with carefully constructed dense blackcurrant and black cherry fruits, deeply coloured, cocoa dusted, opening to show rose bud and lilac, with an edge of capsicum and cayenne pepper. Exceptionally good quality. 78% new oak for ageing, 3.79ph. Andrea Léon technical director, organically farmed
97 Points, Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux