The iconic Clos Apalta is arguably Chile's greatest wine, with a critical track record to rival even the First Growth Bordeaux titans. Previous vintages have notched multiple 100-point scores, nabbed Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year title, and accumulated pretty much every superlative and measure of praise you can think of in the world of fine wine, so it's no surprise to see the newly released 2022 grand vin flirt with perfection once again.
"It's an absolutely sensational red from this team that comes close to topping out my scale." - Jeb Dunnuck
This 99-point expression is further evidence that "Clos Apalta is one of those rare Chilean wines that reliably showcases the characteristics of each vintage while maintaining a consistent house style," as described by Vinous' Joaquin Hidalgo. Indeed, the cool 2022 growing season produced a Clos that Jeb Dunnuck praises as "brilliantly balanced, seamless, medium to full-bodied red that has ultra-fine tannins, integrated acidity, and a great finish." The wine's fresh, vineyard-expressive character melds beautifully with the estate's signature style developed over the years by famed Bordeaux consultant Michel Rolland. The result is a delicious Bordeaux-inspired blend reflecting its exceptional Chilean terroir that promises savvy collectors over two decades of pleasurable drinking.
The Grand Vin 2022 Clos Apalta checks in as 68% Carménère, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Merlot that spent two years in 70% new French oak. Smoking notes of black raspberries, leafy herbs, iron, and violet carry to a brilliantly balanced, seamless, medium to full-bodied red that has ultra-fine tannins, integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's an absolutely sensational red from this team that comes close to topping out my scale. I love it today yet see no reason it shouldn't evolve for 15+ years.
99 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2025)
The carmenere character is more obvious and confidently transparent this year, but in a really complex and layered way. Cedar, black olives, graphite, paprika and hints of pepper and iodine. It’s well rounded, with a light sanguine note to the ripe fruit. The tannins are fine-grained yet polished. The lengthy finish doesn't want to stop. 68% carmenere, 22% cabernet sauvignon and 10% merlot. Drink from 2027.
99 points, Zekun Shuai, James Suckling (Apr 2025)
The 2022 Clos Apalta is 68% Carménère, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot from Apalta. This aged primarily in French oak vats with 10% of the blend in 225-liter Bordeaux barrels. It opens with black fruit, a delicate ash note, underbrush, boldo and gentle spice over subtle oak. Blueberry, blackberry and sour cherry aromas complete the aromatic profile. On the palate, this is dry for the house style, with medium structure, refined grip and juicy flow. The finish is long and finely tuned. This vintage offers a more restrained version of Clos Apalta. It's less opulent than usual but with captivating nuance and poise. The 2022 is a terroir-driven response to a cooler year.
98 points, Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous (Jun 2025)
#65 - Vinous Top 100 of 2025
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