At a glance

Producer

Clos Apalta (Viña Lapostolle)

Region

Valle de Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Grape variety

Carmenère, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot (Bordeaux Blend)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$120-$180 per 750ml bottle (ex-chateau and global retail)

Tasting profile

Dense black and blue fruits, violet, graphite, cocoa, sweet spice, tobacco, fresh herbs; oak is present but balanced.

Evolution: Fruit deepens, secondary notes (leather, earth, dried fig, cigar box) emerge, tannins soften, palate broadens.

At peak: Complex, harmonious, layered with persistent finish; full Bordeaux-style depth and Chilean terroir signature.

Structure

Acidity

Bright, fresh, moderate to high, supporting long cellaring.

Tannins

Robust, firm and refined with significant grip; integrated with aging potential.

Alcohol

Medium-plus to high (typically 14-15% ABV for Clos Apalta blends).

Aging potential

Exceptional; cellars gracefully for 15-25+ years under ideal conditions.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2040

Optimal window

2027 to 2045

Current status

Infant wine; closed, structure-forward, capable of early tasting for study but optimal aging highly recommended.

Current condition

Youthful, primary fruit, pronounced tannins and acidity, best decanted at present.

This wine is renowned for its structure and concentration typical of Clos Apalta. The blend requires multiple years to knit tannin, fruit, and oak, peaking when tertiary flavors develop without loss of vibrancy. Optimal aging amplifies depth and aromatic finesse.

Food pairing

Lamb shank, ribeye steak, duck confit, aged hard cheeses, mushroom ragout, rich lentil stew.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has robust tannins and is a young Bordeaux blend, which can benefit from decanting to soften the tannins and enhance its aromatic profile.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Organic and biodynamic viticulture throughout estate vineyards; minimal synthetic inputs; strong soil and biodiversity management. Solar panels provide partial renewable power. Water use monitored and reduced via drip irrigation systems. Lightened bottle weight compared to earlier vintages. Partial local sourcing of packaging.

Clos Apalta has achieved both organic and biodynamic certification for its estate, placing it amongst South America's most sustainability-focused luxury producers. Vineyard management is exemplary with cover crops, native flora protection, and compost. In the winery, natural yeast use and energy efficiencies are prioritized. Bottle weight is reduced but still premium; global distribution slightly increases overall carbon footprint. Practices exceed standard requirements for both environmental and social responsibility in Chile, meriting a high (8/10) sustainability score.