Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Clos Apalta
Label Name:
 
Vintage
Vintage:
 
2018
Country:
 
Chile
Region:
 
Apalta, Colchagua Valley
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
15%
Grape(s):
 
64% Carmenère, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot
Method:
 
Hand-harvested; 4–5 week maceration with manual punch-downs; fermented in large French oak vats and barrels; 25 months ageing in French oak (87% new); organic/biodynamic viticulture.
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Intense, spicy aromas of red and black fruit with cedar and dried flowers. Medium-to-full body with fine, elegant tannins, fresh acidity, round mid-palate and an exceptionally long, mineral-tinged finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Grilled/roast beef, lamb, venison, aged cheddar; charred Korean BBQ (bulgogi), Peking duck, Sichuan pepper beef, hoisin-glazed pork, mushroom hot pot.
Vineyard Info:
 
Created by the Marnier‑Lapostolle family (est. 1994). Apalta estate with century-old Carmenère vines, gravity‑fed winery, certified organic (CERES) and biodynamic (Demeter).
Awards/Ratings:
 
James Suckling 98 pts; Wine Advocate (Luis Gutiérrez) 96 pts; Vinous 96 pts; Decanter 97 pts. Clos Apalta (2005) was Wine Spectator Wine of the Year (house historic achievement)