Clos Apalta, a South American gem that rivals the big boys of France and Napa.
2006 Casa Lapostolle, Clos Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile (Release Price $80)
Although Chile has quickly sprinted up the ranks of popularity in terms of New World wine regions, they have done so on the quality to price ratio (QPR) delivered by their lower- and mid-level wines. On the high-end, Chile does not have the same level of demand, be it right or wrong. However with the likes of Almaviva, Concha Y Toro’s Don Melchor and Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta, Chile is taking dead aim at the special occasion and connoisseur crowd.
In terms of quality, Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta, a red blend primarily composed of Carmenere, Merlot and Cabernet, has emerged as the vanguard to which others hope to reach. Year in and year out, they create wines that demand the attention of anyone who loves the occasional bottle of high-end wine. The best part, they deliver the super high-end experience without the astronomical price tag. At release, the 2006 Clos Apalta went for $80 and now it can be found for $10-15 less if you do some hunting. Thus, you get a breathtaking wine experience for even less.
The 2006 Clos Apalta, in my opinion, benefited from the extended hang time needed to reach full maturity, as the ’06 harvest season was relatively cool in South America. This allowed for slower progression in developing the wine’s complexity. The Carmenere delivered a beautiful layer of chocolate immediately after the initial hit of blue- and blackberries with subtle toasted vanilla and coffee notes. It’s slightly more “Old World” in terms of purity and ability to single out the layers of flavor than the ’05 and due to this more pleasant, in my opinion. (Senel Wine Rating: 95 pts)
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Had this wine? Tell us what you think!
This wine is certainly in the big leagues. It have everything I am looking for in a full-bodied world class red, save, perhaps, the over-inflated marketing cache. Its big, no strike that, its huge! A very complete mouthful that starts strong and finishes stronger. Yet it is very balanced and complex I get Black fruits, chocolate and vanilin overtones . I think it will age well – but why wait? It is sublime today.
Is it a good value relative to its true competition, other South American Premium labels, Opus One, Classified Bordeaux, Italian Super Tuscans and the like. That said, this wine is not inexpensive. But I challenge anyone to come up with a better Bordeaux Style Meritage Wine with this level of wonderful fruit for under $100. I can’t.
Another fine choice, Erol. Now, will you include a Pinot Noir in your top 5; that is next week’s question!
You will have to wait and see!
Let’s just say, the Top 5 would make any cellar exceptionally happy.
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