2023 Prelude de Clos Apalta

The 2023 Prélude is a blend of 50% Carménère, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot from Apalta. This aged for 17 months in 10% new and 90% second- and third-use French oak barrels. It opens with delicate ash and pyrazine notes alongside blackberry and a touch of currant, supported by well-integrated oak. Dry and broad, with a mid-palate richness, this delivers a profile of black fruit and barrel spice. The 2023 is a red with medium concentration, polished grip and a fruit-forward finish. It should improve in bottle—this is an elegant stylistic exercise from Clos Apalta. 

- Joaquín Hidalgo (07/2025)

Lovely freshness from this warm year, with good depth and concentration. Fresh cherries, blackberries, paprika, spices and tapenade on the nose. Juicy and almost full-bodied on the palate, with melted, dusty tannins and a long finish. 50% carmenere, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 10% merlot. About 16 months in barrels, of which 18% were new oak and the rest is second-use. Drink from 2026. 

- Zekun Shuai (04/2025)