-
100
/ 100
-
96
/ 100
-
95
/ 100
Tasting Notes
Clos Apalta Vinothèque 2015 – The First Vintage to Achieve a Perfect 100-Point Score
Founded in 1997 by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and Cyril de Bournet, Clos Apalta has become an icon of Chilean winemaking, rooted in a truly exceptional terroir. This "Legend of Chile" is nestled in the Apalta Valley, an appellation officially recognised in 2018.
To highlight the extraordinary ageing potential of Chile’s finest wines, Charles de Bournet, representing the estate’s seventh generation, launched the Clos Apalta Vinothèque collection, beginning with the 2012 vintage. The 2015 release, after a decade of meticulous ageing in ideal conditions within Clos Apalta’s underground cellar, is now ready to be enjoyed by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Over time, its tannins have softened, its complexity has deepened, and its elegance has been refined.
The 2014 winter in Apalta was notably rainy, with temperatures higher than the previous season. Spring brought moderate conditions, ensuring even bud break and flowering. Summer remained temperate, aside from a few heat waves lasting five days in January. March 2015, however, was the warmest in decades. Despite these conditions, the harvested grapes displayed remarkable quality, with expressive aromatics and a well-structured tannic profile.
In the glass, the Clos Apalta Vinothèque 2015 presents a deep, dark red hue with purple highlights. The nose is intense and expressive, brimming with ripe black fruits like blackcurrant and plum, interwoven with hints of liquorice and cedar. Subtle oak and spice notes add further complexity. On the palate, the wine is rich and concentrated, with broad tannins that unfold into a velvety texture. Flavours of dark chocolate and mocha enhance its depth, leading to an exceptionally long and intricate finish.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Classification: Red
Variety: Red Blends
Vintage: 2021
Bottle Size: 750ml (Bottle)
Country: Chile
Region: Colchagua Valley,
Alcohol %: 13.5%
Cellaring: 15 Plus Years
Scores
100 / 100"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. - James Suckling"
- James Suckling
96 / 100
"Lithe. A little touch of trompette de la mort. Truffle, but just a hint. This teases with subtle hints of the cigar box and truffle secondary notes to come. Plums and damsons once again, blueberries. Incense. Patchouli candles. Graphite. Cedar. Walnut shell. Olive tapenede. This has a very croquant (crunchy) fruit for a wine already a decade in bottle. So youthful. So youthfully fresh, with a lovely sapid wave arriving just on the finish. Excellent, even if I sense yet more precision in the more recent vintages. - Colin Hay"
- The Drinks Business
95 / 100
"Rich and refined, with lively spice and white pepper accents to the mouthwatering flavors of blackberry, currant and dark plum. Dark chocolate and cardamom notes emerge midpalate, showing a creamy texture. Minerally details grace the vibrant finish. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2025. 6,121 cases made. - Kim Marcus"
- Wine Spectator
