2012 Clos Apalta
Buying options
Tasting Notes
The 2012 Clos Apalta started off a little closed, but with air, the spicy aromas seemed to dominate (cloves, black pepper); there are also lots of smoky notes over a core of ripe black fruit with a volatile hint. It feels young and greatly marked by its two years in new French oak barrels. The palate is still young and tannic, and the finish is a little dry. There's not a lot of fruit in there and it somehow feels like it lacks a bit in the mid palate. For fans of the style, but even though, you should wait to pull the cork. 61,000 bottles produced. Dec 2015, www.robertparker.com
Critic Scores
Average Score
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
A dense, ripe and powerful style, with concentrated flavors of dark plum, blackberry and chocolate. Very plush and creamy midpalate, with a rich finish loaded with espresso notes, along with medium-grained tannins. Carmenère, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2020. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 6,200 cases made. Mar 2016, www.winespectator.com
Lusty notes of coconut, charcoal, vanilla and herbs grace core blackberry and cassis aromas. This is massive and widespread on the palate, but the key to its success is impeccable balance. Toasty, minty flavors of blackberry and cassis are chocolaty and lightly herbal, while the finish blends lushness, power, heft and smoky, herbal flavors that go on and on. Drink this Carmenère-led blend through 2024. Mar 2016, www.wineenthusiast.com
A wonderfully vivid red with complex aromas of rose petal, black currant, blackberry, black pepper and sandalwood. Full-bodied, yet ultra-refined. Silky textured tannins. Gorgeous finish. So much intense fruit with spice, currant and chocolate. A blend of carmenere, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot. All grapes are biodynamically grown. Better in 2019. Oct 2015, www.jamessuckling.com
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.