Product Overview
Winery's Notes
"The history of Clos Apalta lies in one of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere vineyards in Chile if not the world. Tucked away in the Colchagua Valley near the town of Santa Cruz, the Apalta Valley was the chosen location of a viosionary, who in 1910s plated this amazing vineyard using a unique French massal selection. In 1994, Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet acquired the property. True to the demands of the family, their ambition was to produce an exceptional wine and to pave the way for the qualitative development of the country’s fine wines.
Clos Apalta was created in 1997 as the iconic wine of Domaines Bournet-Lapostolle in Chile with the idea of magnifying the exceptional terroir of Apalta with French expertise. Shaping the vineyard foot by foot, building a state-of-the-art gravity fed winery, the family succeeded in making Clos Apalta one of the most iconic wines in South America.
The team behind the creation of Clos Apalta is currently being led by the founders' son and Seventh Generation of the Bournet-Lapostolle family, Charles de Bournet.
COLOR: Beautiful dark purple robe with dark violet edges.
NOSE: Expressive nose with red fruit such as black and red cherry, figs and plums. with a spicy and black pepper notes.
PALATE: Dense and concentrated palate that opens towards freshness and more spicy flavors, with elegance and depth. Very long finish."
Varietal Composition: 75% Carmenère, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot
Appellation: Apalta DO
Vineyard: Clos Apalta Vineyard
Farming Practices: Certified Organic by HCCP, Certified Sustainable by Ecocert
Aging: 21 months in French oak barrels, 78% new
Residual Sugar: 2.3 g/L
Production: 11,169 cases
100 Points - James Suckling
"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."
98 Points - Vinous
"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 garrique-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." -JH, Jul/2024
96 Points, "Highly Recommended" - Wine Spectator
"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." -AR, 5/31/25
95 Points - Wine Advocate
"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." -ML, 3/13/25
