2012 Clos Apalta
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Tasting notes
66% Carmenère, 19% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak. Black-cherry liqueur on the nose, menthol, blackcurrant and bitter chocolate with the most gorgeous thirst-quenching acidity. What a wine – takes everything that is great about the 2005 and brings it to the next level. Absolutely among the finest wines of its type – it has that undefinable magic that possesses the best wines. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
A library release from the estate at its 10 year window. Sandalwood, grilled oak, cloves, black cherry, cassis, swirling dark fruits that remain closed even at 10 years old, and I suggest a long carafe (for me it tasted even better the next day, a clear sign of a wine that has a long life ahead of it). Once it softens, sweet berry fruits appear, with touches of oyster shell salinity. The label says 'Vinothèque, this bottle was released from the cellar of Clos Apalta in 2022'. 100% new oak, unfiltered and unfined.
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.
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
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.