Editors notes
2018 Clos Apalta is a blend of 64% Carmenere, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 18% Merlot. Following on from the dry 2017 vintage, 2018 started with a wet winter which allowed for sufficient accumulation of water in the soil, and once temperatures rose through summer the vines were well supported through to harvest. What resulted was a wine with healthy production, generous flavours, and relatively moderate alcohol levels with excellent freshness. 2018 is considered one of the all-time great vintages in Chile, and this release of Clos Apalta further adds to this assertion.
Details
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Light (Light)Full (Full)
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Low Tannin (Low Tannin)Tannic (Tannic)
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Aroma
- Chocolate
- Nutmeg
- Smoky
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Palate
- Leather
- Plum
- Vanilla
Food Pairings
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Cheese
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Game
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Red Meat
Critic Scores & reviews
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Luis Gutierrez
96"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. Drink 2022 - 2030."
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James Suckling
98"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."
Other vintages
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Locations
Chile
With the Andes mountains to its east (on its border with Argentina) and the Pacific Ocean to its west, Chile has a unique geography and climate that make it suitable for a range of both red and white wine styles. The country enjoys cooling influences from both the ocean and the mountains, coupled with plenty of sunshine. Generally, Chilean vineyards have a Mediterranean climate, with a sunny, dry growing season and little risk of fungal diseases. Winery operations of all sizes throughout the country widely practise sustainable and organic grapegrowing and winemaking. Black grape varieties account for most of the plantings in Chile, with Cabernet Sauvignon the most widely planted. Styles can range from simple and fruity to premium full-bodied examples. Other red wine varieties include Merlot, Carmenère, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. Among the white varieties, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are the most dominant.

Colchagua Valley
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