Tasting Notes
Vinous 97
The 2023 Clos Apalta (66% Carmenere, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot) opens with boldo and black fruit, along with a hint of soft ash and well-defined oak on the nose. The vintage streamlines the palate and adds fluidity, while lightly grippy tannins provide structure and grip, balanced by the estate’s plush style. It is long on the finish, filling the palate and echoing the aromatics. A serious wine that increasingly reflects its origin and terroir.
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2048
Robert Parker 95
The 2023 Clos Apalta is an impressive testament to the consistency this team routinely achieves. As is typical, it is the most powerful wine in the range, opening with an expressive and confident bouquet of ripe red and blue fruits with signature floral overtones, nuanced herbal flourishes and an elegantly woody backdrop that is already remarkably well integrated. The mouthfeel echoes the generous nature of the harvest while maintaining an impressively upright and focused structural posture that carries through to an expansive, ultra-refined finish. I suspect this will benefit from a bit of extra time in bottle to congeal, and it should drink well into the start of its second decade. The blend is 66% Carmenere, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot.
Jeb Dunnuck 98
Another brilliant and unquestionably world-class wine from this estate, the 2023 Clos Apalte checks in as 66% Carmenere, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 13% Merlot that was aged 24 months in 80% new French oak. Darker berries, leafy tobacco, red peppercorns, and graphite, as well as a beautiful floral character, all emerge from the glass. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it’s pure, balanced, and elegant, with fine tannins, remarkable purity, and a great finish. I love it today, yet it will drink well for two decades. Drink 2026-2045.
James Suckling 97
Deep but fleshier and rounder this year, showing more openness and supple fruit. A touch of balsamic as well, with some dark olives and hints of violets and paprika to the rich but honest core. Full-bodied with a creamy center palate. Long and resolved in the finish. A blend of 66% carmenere, 21% cabernet sauvignon and 13% merlot. Aged 19 months in barrels, including 70% new oak. Drink or hold.
