2021 Clos Apalta

The vineyard, planted in the 1910s using a unique French massal selection, is located in the Apalta Valley, near the town of Santa Cruz on the western side of the Colchagua Valley. In 1994 the property was acquired by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet, with a vision to highlight the exceptional terroir of Apalta drawing upon their French expertise. Clos Apalta was born soon after, in 1997, as the iconic wine of the Domaines Bournet-Lapostolle in Chile. The team is currently led by Charles de Bournet, the son of the founders and 7th generation.

Other Reviews....
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

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. Drink: 2028 - 2040.
98 points
Joaquin Hidalgo - Vinous