CLOS APALTA | Le Petit Clos | 2018
carmenère | cabernet sauvignon | merlot | petit verdot

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Established in 1994 by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband, Cyril de Bournet, Clos Apalta is one of Chile’s most distinguished win estates, nestled in the Apalta Valley – a prestigious area within Chile’s famous Colchagua Valley. The winery has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to quality and excellence, with a focus on biodynamic practices, Clos Apalta seeks to express the footprint of its terroir through meticulous vineyard management and innovative winemaking techniques. The estate is renowned for its small production, which results in handcrafted wines that reflect the unique character of the region.
Today we are going to review a wine that hardly requires any introduction, as this is one of the most recognizable wine labels from the Colchagua Valley of Chile – Le Petit Clos 2018 by Clos Apalta. This wine is a harmonious blend of four grape varieties: carmenère (53%), cabernet sauvignon (32%), merlot (12%) and petit verdot (3%), where carmenère forms the wine’s main body and structure, cabernet sauvignon adds structure and tannin extract, merlot builds a more refined mid-palate and enhances the upfront richness, whereas petit verdot enhances the wine’s color depth and offers a leaner and a more dynamic finish. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the Valle de Apalta vineyards (a relatively cool terroir, located between the Coastal Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean in the Colchagua Valley), planted on clay-rich soil. In order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity to the final blend, the wine has been aged for 6 months in new french oak barriques, then the wine is transferred to used french oak barrels for a further 16 months, with additional bottle ageing time before it was deemed ready for the market release.

The Colchagua Valley is nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, therefore it benefits from cooling coastal breezes and a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The valley’s varied soils range from clay and sandy loam in the lower areas to granitic and volcanic deposits in the foothills, offering ideal conditions for cultivating premium red grape varieties like cabernet sauvignon and carmenere. These elements combine to create wines with rich, ripe flavors, balanced by high natural acidity, and that distinct regional dusty character that chilean wines are famous for.

The Apalta Valley is characterized by its unique soil composition, which is composed of clay and quartz, providing excellent drainage and fostering the deep root systems of the vines. The region’s microclimate, influenced by the surrounding Andes Mountains, offers deep and cool nights that help to preserve acidity and develop complex aromatics in the grapes.

color: deep & opaque ruby color
clarity: hazy crimson-ruby shades at the rim

In the glass, the wine unveils a deep, ruby color with hazy, crimson-ruby hints at the rim, denoting vibrancy and concentration of flavours. The wine showcases a brilliant clarity, inviting the observer to explore its rich character further.

intensity: pronounced & savory-dusty
fruit character: ripe

On the nose, this wine captivates with a pronounced bouquet of dark fruits – ripe blackberries, plums, and black cherries, that are complemented by subtle spice and herbal undertones. Notes of old leather, crushed granite and graphite mingle with hints of cloves, tobacco, and nutmeg from subtle oak aging, adding extra layers of complexity to the wine’s already complex  aromatic profile. The overall impression is of a finely-tuned wine that is ready to enchant even the most discerning wine connoisseurs.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: medium | balance: good
finish: lasting | aftertaste: velvety-crisp

On the palate, the wine reveals its true brilliance, as it is greeted with a velvety texture, showcasing a rich and vibrant fruit core. Flavors of ripe black fruit – mainly blackcurrant and raspberry – are beautifully intertwined with earthy notes and a touch of floral elegance (hints of violets and lavender). The silky tannins contribute to an ample mouthfeel, while the wine’s crisp acidity ensures a lively and vibrant finish. The aftertaste is lasting, revealing a pleasant bitterness and dustiness that speaks to the wine’s origin.

maturity: in its prime | drink now or within the next 2 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

Overall, this is a remarkable Carmenere-based wine blend that marries the elegance of an old-world style with the complexity typical of Chile’s new world essence. Its harmonious interplay of vibrant fruit, crisp acidity, and silky tannin makes it an excellent wine blend that is mixing power with finesse. All in all, this is a textbook, dusty chilean wine with excellent varietal typicity of the carmenere grape variety and one of the best wines we have tasted so far.

For an exquisite wine tasting experience, consider pairing this wine with a hearthy dishes that would elevate the tasting experience even further. We recommend serving it alongside grilled lamb chops seasoned with rosemary, or a rich mushroom risotto that echoes the earthy notes of the wine. Cheers!
CLOS APALTA | Le Petit Clos | 2018
variety: carmenère | cabernet sauvignon | merlot | petit verdot
country: Chile
region: Colchagua Valley | Apalta
rating: 96.3

Clos Apalta was awarded a perfect score of 100 points by several renowned wine critics for its iconic blend, showcasing the winery’s exceptional quality. The winery’s commitment to organic and biodynamic practices reflects a growing trend toward sustainable viticulture in some of the world’s finest wine regions.

© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation. Cheers!