Clos Apalta 2014

A Biodynamic Bordeaux-Style Blend from Clos Apalta in Chile

Clos Apalta, founded in 1827, is located 170 km southwest of Santiago in the Colchagua Valley of Chile. The vineyard is bordered on one side by the Tinguirrica River and surrouded like a horseshoe by the Coastal Cordillera mountain range, which blocks the sun's rays, limiting the exposure of the vines to intense sunshine. The vines here are planted in colluvial granitic soils, combined with layers of clay. The vineyard enjoys a north to south exposure, which is quite rare in the wine regions of Chile, and a semi-dry Mediterranean climate with rainy winters and very dry summers. The significant difference between day and night temperatures leads to an intense color and tannins in the red wines from this area, while a gradual ripening of the berries results in high concentration and character, along with a fantastic aging potential. The Clos Apalta 2014 is made from a blend of 48% Carmenere, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, sourced from vineyards that are certified organic by CERS and biodynamic by DEMETER. The vines of Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon at Clos Apalta were planted in 1920 and were never grafted. The 2014 vintage was manually harvested between March 11th and April 20th and then manually destemmed at the winery. Fermentation was carried out using 100% native yeasts, with 95% of the yield vinified in French oak vats of 75 HL and 5% in new French oak barrels from Bordeaux. Maceration took place for a period of up to 5 weeks. The blend was then aged in 225-liter new French oak barrels for 26 months. This wine was not fined, cold stabilized or filtered before bottling.

In the glass, the Clos Apalta 2014 displays a deep ruby red color with purple reflections around the edges. The aromatic palette opens with ripe black fruits, including cassis, blackberry, figs, along with toasted nuts, cinnamong and licorice. On the palate, this wine offers an intense and creamy attack, followed by beautiful black fruit flavors. The velvety tannins slowly unfold, leaving a long-lasting impression. The finish is long, intense and very elegant. A gorgeous Chilean wine, produced in a style reminiscent of the great wines of Bordeaux, this wine is designed to age for several years.