Clos Apalta "The 400 Points Case" | 2014-2015-2017-2021

Jahrgang 2017: 94 Punkte

The 2017 Red Blend Clos Apalta is a blend of grapes from Apalta: 48% Carménère, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, aged in new and used French barrels in an 85/15 split. The ripe profile makes it a garnet red in the glass with an open, nuanced aromatic profile of spices, black currant, plum and red currant somewhere between ripe and candied, along with hints of smoke, cigar box and tobacco over a layer of ash. Intense in the mouth, it has fine, juicy tannins with an alcoholic kick that energizes the flow, packaged in a good body with an elegant structure. A wine that grows with each layer and sets a benchmark for the style.

- Joaquín Hidalgo (03/2021)

Jahrgang 2021: 98 Punkte

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.

- Joaquín Hidalgo (07/2024)

Jahrgang 2014: 100 Punkte

This was the first 100-point wine from here with such aromas of fresh herbs and dark berry and floral undertones. Hot stone character. Full body, very linear and ultra-fine tannins. The precision and perfection here is impressive, as it has always been. A blend of carmenere, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Drink or hold. (02/2018)

Jahrgang 2015: 100 Punkte

There is a subtle complexity on the nose with currant, berry, fresh herb and wet earth aromas. Cut fresh flowers, too. Full body, dense and powerful. Incredible character here with such purity and polish. It goes on for minutes. Formed, sculptured yet soulful. A monumental wine for Chile. Unbelievable. More powerful than the 2014 which was 100 points. A blend of 46% carmenere, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot and 5% cabernet franc. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Better in 2022. (02/2018)

Jahrgang 2017: 100 Punkte

What a stunning nose of crushed berries, fresh flowers, sandalwood and light vineyard dust. Black olives, too. Very complex. Full-bodied with a beautiful, dense palate of blackberries, chocolate, walnuts and cigar box. Fantastic length and composure. The tannin just rolls over the palate. Very structured. The most classically structured wine ever from here. Goes on for minutes. Outrageous and so polished. A blend of 48% carmenere, 26% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 1% petit verdot. Try after 2025. (04/2020)

Jahrgang 2021: 100 Punkte

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. (02/2024)

Jahrgang 2014: 94 Punkte

Refined and rich, featuring a concentrated array of dark fruit, savory herb and Asian spice flavors that are well-structured. Dark chocolate accents linger on the creamy and seductively savory finish, with hints of hot stone. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2024. 5,199 cases made.

- Kim Marcus (11/2018)

Jahrgang 2015: 95 Punkte

Rich and refined, with lively spice and white pepper accents to the mouthwatering flavors of blackberry, currant and dark plum. Dark chocolate and cardamom notes emerge midpalate, showing a creamy texture. Minerally details grace the vibrant finish. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2025. 6,121 cases made.

- Kim Marcus (03/2019)

Jahrgang 2017: 95 Punkte

This features an intensely rich and fruity aroma, with concentrated flavors to match, dominated by cherry tart, raspberry and dark plum. Creamy midpalate, with a plush and spicy finish that offers hints of chocolate mint and plenty of minerality. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2027. 8,230 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.

- Kim Marcus (08/2021)

Jahrgang 2021: 96 Punkte

Aromatically complex and intriguing, this offers a spiced plum pastry note that melds with petrichor, pine, dried violet and cocoa powder elements. The palate is round and richly textured, with Szechuan peppercorn accents to the concentrated black cherry, plum and cassis center. Everything comes together harmoniously on the finish and lingers, with present but integrated tannins. A stunner that should develop nicely in the cellar. Carmenère, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2040. 11,169 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.

- Aaron Romano (05/2025)

Jahrgang 2014: 93 Punkte

The 2014 Clos Apalta is composed of 48% Carmenère, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot and has lots of tannins and some astringency. It really suffers when compared with the 2015, which feels longer and has a different quality of tannins, but I prefer both to the 2013. This matured in 100% new French oak barrels for 26 months. 62,388 bottles were filled in June 2016.

- Luis Gutiérrez (10/2018)

Jahrgang 2015: 95 Punkte

Despite the warm and dry character of the year, I find the 2015 Clos Apalta, a blend of 57% Carménère, 26% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, to be less marked by the Carménère and with more integrated oak and better freshness. There is more Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It's spicy and herbal while ripe and powerful, full-bodied and with plenty of dusty tannins. It has a strong personality, and I find more balance here. 73,452 bottles produced.

- Luis Gutiérrez (09/2018)

Jahrgang 2017: 95 Punkte

The 2017 Clos Apalta is the 20th vintage of this wine that was produced with a blend of 48% Carmenere, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot from organic and biodynamic certified vineyards on granite soils. It fermented with indigenous yeasts for four to five weeks, with manual punch-down of the cap, mostly in 7,500-liter French oak vats and 18% in new French barrique. Malolactic was in new French oak barrels, and the élevage lasted for 27 months in 85% new barrels and 15% second use. This is always a powerful, big and ripe wine that is regularly 15% alcohol, reflecting a warm and ripe place. The 2017 is no exception, perhaps a riper and more powerful wine than the 2016. It's still very young and marked by the élevage, with abundant balsamic aromas and notes from the wood—spice and smoke with an ashy touch. It seems quite marked by the character of the Carmenere. The tannins are quite round and polished, and the flavors are pungent and powerful. It's a full-bodied wine to age in in bottle and enjoy in its 10th birthday with powerful food. 90,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2019.

- Luis Gutiérrez (08/2020)

Jahrgang 2021: 95 Punkte

The 2021 Clos Apalta consists of 75% Carménère, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot, aged for 24 months in 75% new French oak. It opens with a rich, lavish and inviting bouquet of black fruits, purple flowers, pipe tobacco and graphite. The palate is smooth and velvety, revealing its ripe, vibrant character while maintaining a sense of sophistication. It concludes with a focused, lively finish of ripe fruits and polished tannins. While it distinctly emphasizes its luxurious profile, it does so without completely overshadowing its origins, something not all who chase this style accomplish.

- Matthew Luczy (03/2025)