Clos Apalta

Brand Description

Everything starts in 1994 when Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet first arrived in Chile’s Colchagua Valley. They quickly realized its potential for producing world-class wines. This ideal setting, which was revitalized in 1995, was home to vines originating from pre-phylloxera rootstock brought from Bordeaux in the middle of XIX century. 

Member of a renowned family that has been dedicated for several generations to the production of high-quality spirits and wines, Alexandra with legendary wine expertise, brought exceptional French winemaking practices to Chile and pioneered the development of fine quality wines from the region.

Today it is Charles de Bournet Marnier Lapostolle, seventh generation of the family, who holds the reins of the Winery. Together with him is Jacques Begarie, Technical Director & Winemaker, under the advice of the famous winemaker Michel Rolland, who is personally involved in the whole production of Clos Apalta.

In its short history, Clos Apalta wines have consistently ranked highly (90+ points) among reputable wine trade publications, a testament of the rigorous standards implemented at the winery to produce outstanding wines.

Location of Vineyard

Apalta, Colchagua Valley.

Winemaking and Viticulture Philosophy

Clos Apalta's philosophy is as simple as it is ambitious: to express terrois in the wines, looking for excellence, elegance and character in a handcrafted wine that can talk about the amazing place that is the Apalta Valley.

Link to Lapostolle Winery Info

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Winery Profile
Owner: Charles de Bournet Marnier Lapostolle
Winemaker: Jacques Begarie (Technical Director)
Total acreage under vine: 375
Founded: 1994
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Acclaim
“Embracing a Bordeaux-style approach, Le Petit Clos is the second wine of Clos Apalta. The 2021 Le Petit Clos combines 68% Carménère, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, all sourced from the Apalta Vineyard in Colchagua. Displaying a purple hue in the glass, it exhibits a ripe character mellowed by the fresh nature of the vintage. It offers plum and blackberry aromas along with bay leaf, boldo and menthol hints over an ashy marmalade core. Indulgent, plush and rich on the palate, the soft and overwhelming mouthfeel lingers long with a precise, juicy and slightly refreshing personality. The 2021 vintage is indeed a standout for Clos Apalta.” — acclaim for 2021 Le Petit Clos de Clos Apalta from Vinous, Jul 2024
“The 2021 Clos Apalta comprises 75% Carménère, with the remainder filled out by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, sourced from the eponymous Apalta Vineyard. It was aged for 24 months in oak barrels, two-thirds of which were new. This dark purple wine reveals nuanced aromas of graphite, herbs, dried plums and blackberry marmalade, complemented by mint, boldo and garrigue-like notes over a green bell pepper layer. Plush and ample on the palate, it is lifted by a mild refreshing quality that adds a rare nimbleness to its flow. This long-lasting red is a serious wine, less influenced by Michel Rolland's style than in other years, as the fresh vintage imparted a lighter, less ripe and more expressive character. Clos Apalta is one of those rare Chilean wines that reliably showcases the characteristics of each vintage while maintaining a consistent house style. That steadiness is a boon for consumers, as it allows them to appreciate the impact of different vintages, which is a significant part of the allure of high-quality wines.” — acclaim for 2021 Clos Apalta from Vinous, Jul 2024
“Extremely aromatic with red currants, blackcurrants, spices, iodine, paprika and subtle hints of white pepper. Fresh flowers, fresh sage, lavednder and some pine needles and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with perfectly integrated tannins that go on for minutes with refined and harmonious fruit that integrates beautifully into the wine, giving it a weightless structure that shows class and verve. Endless balance and length. It’s so balanced that you could drink it now but it will age for decades.” — acclaim for 2021 Clos Apalta from James Suckling, Feb 2024
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