Clos Apalta 2015

Despite the warm and dry character of the year, I find the 2015 Clos Apalta, a blend of 57% Carménère, 26% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, to be less marked by the Carménère and with more integrated oak and better freshness. There is more Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It's spicy and herbal while ripe and powerful, full-bodied and with plenty of dusty tannins. It has a strong personality, and I find more balance here.

Score: 95

Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2018-2030 06 September 2018

There is a subtle complexity on the nose with currant, berry, fresh herb and wet earth aromas. Cut fresh flowers, too. Full body, dense and powerful. Incredible character here with such purity and polish. It goes on for minutes. Formed, sculptured yet soulful. A monumental wine for Chile. Unbelievable. More powerful than the 2014 which was 100 points. A blend of 46% carmenere, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot and 5% cabernet franc. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Better in 2022. A Chilean wine from Colchagua Valley, Clos Apalta Valle de Apalta may be lesser known — in comparison to Bordeaux’s Château Lafite Rothschild, Tuscany’s Sassicaia or California’s Opus One — but it has been awarded perfect 100 points for both the 2014 and 2015 vintages. In hindsight, there’s no doubt that Clos Apalta is one of the world’s greatest red wines. Expressive and complex in flavor, both vintages are blessed with the balance and precision essential for 100 points.

Score: 100

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Maturity: 2022+ 16 March 2018