Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux

Tim Atkin

Patricio Tapia - Descorchados

Clos Apalta is the classic Apalta wine and is based on carmenere, at 64%, plus 18% cabernet sauvignon and 18% merlot, all from their own vineyards in the Apalta Valley. As usual, this wine is a little monster of ripeness and alcohol—this year climbing to 15º—while the flavors are enveloping and extra ripe in a style that, in view of this version, doesn't seem to have changed much since it made its debut with the 1997 vintage. With 25 months of aging in barrels (87% new oak), toasted aromas also play an important role in the musculature and flavors of Clos, a red wine for the cellar.

Wine Enthusiast

Aromas of chalk and ripe black fruit are subtle and delicate. Well structured and balanced, this red delivers nutmeg, dried herbs and meaty plum over a mineral texture. Firm tannins and good acidity provide support to the savory mouthfeel. Oak flavors add to the complexity and extend the finish.

Decanter Magazine

In 2019 Andrea León achieved superlative results at Clos Apalta with a blend of 64% Carmenere, Cabernet Franc and Merlot aged for 25 months in French barrels. This is a luxurious red with an aromatic profile of liquorice and black and redcurrant over layers of graphite, clove and cinnamon. In the mouth, the breadth and freshness are brought together by the silky texture which flows into an enjoyable finish with refined tannins.

James Suckling

So aromatic and fresh with dried flowers, sweet tobacco and hints of straw. Red fruit, cloves and green peppercorns. Medium-to full-bodied with fine tannins that are very fresh and refined. Fine, silky and beautiful. Hints of minerals and granite to the dark fruit. Such gorgeous length and beauty. 64% carmenere, 18% cabernet franc and 18% merlot. Extremely long and poised. Cooler wine. From biodynamically grown grapes. Delicious to drink already, but another three to four years will make it even better.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

There is a lot of Carmenere character on the nose of the 2018 Clos Apalta, which was produced with 64% Carmenere, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot, a blend that is similar to the one used in 2016. The wine is not shy at all and hits the scale at 15% alcohol. It's showy, heady, hedonistic, aromatic, full-bodied and lush with abundant velvety tannins and a long and powerful finish where the notes of black peppercorns and tea and tobacco leaves dominate. This might not be a wine for everybody, but fans of the style will love it. 92,748 bottles produced. It was bottled in October 2020.