2016 Clos Apalta
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Tasting Notes
The 2016 release of Clos Apalta cements its position at the very top of the list of great wines from Chile - for James Suckling, who has awarded it a near perfect 99 points, even the world. This is terroir and winemaking of the highest calibre, and the results are truly stunning. Much of what makes this wine so special is its unique terroir. Twice a day, in the morning and afternoon, its vineyards, with ungrafted vines dating back as far as 1915, fall into the shadow of the surrounding mountains. The shorter sunshine hours and cooler temperatures mean longer ripening and therefore phenomenal complexity and freshness. It was this which convinced the Marnier-Lapostolles in 1994 that they had something truly special and worth investing in on their hands, and their dedication to producing a world class wine has shone through in successive vintages. Viticulture is 100% biodynamic, grapes are hand harvested and laboriously de-stemmed by hand and meticulously cared for throughout the winemaking process in a state-of-the-art, gravity led winery. 2016 is a near perfect wine from an estate that is currently producing some of the best wines in the world.
Critic Scores
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
This is really focused and refined with fantastic dried flowers and dark berries. Dried-lavender and mint undertones. Medium-to full-bodied with refined and polished tannins that are all together and so focused. Really integrated and melted together on the palate. Compact and very linear. Please give this two or three years to come completely together, but it’s already breathtaking. Better to drink after 2022.
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About the producer
Chile’s Clos Apalta is arguably South America’s most successful estate, garnering praise from the world’s leading wine critics and connoisseurs. The 2005 vintage was named Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year – the only South American wine to do so – and the wines continue to impress.