CLOS DU LICAN R

Clos du Lican is an exceptional single-vineyard Syrah from the dramatic Apalta Valley in Chile’s Colchagua Valley, created by the Marnier-Lapostolle family of the renowned Clos Apalta estate. Situated in the San José area, the vineyard rises through ancient granite and granodiorite soils, with elevations reaching approximately 430 metres. The vineyard was established in 2004 and was specifically designed to produce a pure expression of Syrah. Its rocky hillside terroir, cool influences from the surrounding mountains and Tinguiririca River, and naturally low-intervention winemaking combine to create a wine of remarkable depth, elegance and ageing potential. The first vintage, 2019, was released in 2022.

In the glass, Clos du Lican displays a deep ruby-purple to almost inky colour, immediately suggesting its concentration and intensity. The nose is exceptionally expressive, revealing layers of blackberry, black raspberry, mulberry and black cherry alongside violets, lavender, sage and wild herbs. With time, deeper notes of black truffle, peppered meat, liquorice, smoke, sandalwood, baking spice and dark chocolate emerge, while the distinctive granite terroir contributes subtle mineral and earthy nuances. The aromatic profile beautifully balances ripe dark fruit with floral, savoury and spicy complexity.

On the palate, Clos du Lican is powerful yet remarkably refined, combining concentrated fruit with an exceptionally smooth and seamless texture. Rich flavours of blackberry, black cherry, mulberry and dark berries are complemented by pepper, violet, liquorice, grilled herbs and subtle smoky and mineral notes. The palate is full-bodied and generous, with silky, finely polished tannins providing structure without creating harshness. French oak adds sophisticated layers of spice, cedar, mocha and gentle toast, while vibrant acidity maintains freshness and prevents the wine from feeling heavy. The result is a beautifully balanced Syrah that brings together richness, purity, freshness and impressive finesse.

The finish is exceptionally long, fresh and persistent, carrying flavours of dark berries, pepper, violet, liquorice, smoky spice and mineral complexity well beyond the final sip. The wine’s fine-grained tannins and natural acidity provide an elegant framework for extended ageing, while its concentrated fruit and savoury character continue to evolve in the glass. Recent vintages have demonstrated an increasingly refined style, with the 2020 showing a particularly fresh and ethereal character, while the 2021 vintage has been praised for its deep colour, elegant tannins and juicy texture.

Food Pairing: This sophisticated Syrah is ideally suited to richly flavoured and slow-cooked dishes. Pair it with pepper-crusted beef steak, grilled ribeye, roast beef, slow-cooked lamb, beef short ribs, venison and roasted duck. Its peppery and savoury character also works beautifully with barbecue, smoky grilled meats, mushroom dishes and hearty stews. For cheese, mature Cheddar, aged Gouda and other firm, full-flavoured cheeses make excellent companions to its concentrated fruit and structured tannins.

Serving Suggestion: Serve at approximately 16–18°C to allow the wine’s dark fruit, floral and savoury character to express itself fully. A young bottle benefits from 45–60 minutes of decanting, giving the dense fruit, pepper, violet, spice and oak time to unfold. Serve in a large Syrah or Bordeaux-style red wine glass to enhance the aromatic complexity and fully appreciate its silky texture, remarkable concentration and exceptionally long finish.