CLOS APALTA ‘VALLE DE APALTA’ R 2020

Clos Apalta ‘Valle de Apalta’ is an iconic Chilean red wine from the prestigious Apalta Valley in Colchagua, crafted by Domaines Bournet-Lapostolle. A sophisticated Bordeaux-style blend, it is built around the character of old-vine Carménère, supported by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with Petit Verdot included in certain vintages. The unique Apalta terroir, with its dry Mediterranean climate, cooling mountain influences and ancient vines, allows the grapes to achieve remarkable concentration while retaining freshness and elegance. The wine has become one of Chile’s most celebrated expressions of fine red-wine craftsmanship.

In the glass, Clos Apalta displays an intense, deep ruby-purple to inky colour. The nose is immediately expressive, revealing layers of black cherry, red cherry, blackberry, plum, fig and cassis. These ripe fruit aromas gradually open toward violet, black pepper, fresh herbs and subtle floral notes, while beautifully integrated oak contributes sophisticated nuances of cedar, vanilla, cocoa, coffee and sweet spices. Depending on vintage and bottle age, further layers of tobacco, leather, black olive and earthy complexity can emerge, giving the wine an extraordinary aromatic depth.

On the palate, Clos Apalta ‘Valle de Apalta’ is dense, concentrated and beautifully textured, combining impressive power with remarkable finesse. Ripe blackberry, black cherry, plum and cassis create a generous fruit core, followed by flavours of liquorice, dark chocolate, cocoa, black olive and delicate spice. The Carménère brings rounded, supple tannins and distinctive herbal complexity, while Cabernet Sauvignon contributes structure and freshness and Merlot adds softness and volume. French oak ageing introduces layers of cedar, vanilla, mocha and gentle toast, remaining carefully integrated with the fruit. The palate is broad and polished, with freshness providing balance beneath its rich concentration.

The finish is exceptionally long, elegant and persistent, leaving lingering impressions of dark berries, black cherry, liquorice, cocoa, tobacco, spice and subtle mineral-earthy nuances. Fine-grained tannins provide a sophisticated framework while vibrant acidity keeps the wine energetic and precise. With bottle age, its concentrated fruit gradually develops more complex tertiary notes of leather, cedar, tobacco, truffle and dried herbs. The combination of old-vine fruit, refined tannins, freshness and French oak gives Clos Apalta outstanding ageing potential.

Food Pairing: This powerful yet refined Chilean red is an excellent companion to premium grilled steak, dry-aged beef, roast beef, lamb shoulder, beef short ribs and venison. Its dark-fruit richness and structured tannins also complement slow-braised meats, barbecue, roasted duck, mushroom dishes and hearty stews. For an indulgent cheese pairing, serve it with aged Cheddar, Comté, mature Gouda or other firm, full-flavoured cheeses.

Serving Suggestion: Serve at approximately 16–18°C to allow its fruit, spice, herbal and oak complexity to fully express itself. A young bottle benefits from 45–60 minutes of decanting, allowing the dense fruit and polished tannins to open while revealing additional layers of cocoa, cedar, liquorice and spice. Serve in a large Bordeaux-style red wine glass to showcase its expansive aromatics, elegant texture and remarkably long finish.