Clos Apalta Red Blend 2018

Clos Apalta 2018 - Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Note: Other vintages also available - give us a call or search the site!

A beautifully poised and slightly more classical expression of this iconic Chilean blend, the 2018 Clos Apalta stands out for its balance, freshness and precision. Coming from a cooler vintage, it offers a touch more elegance and lift compared to some of the richer years, while still delivering the depth and structure the wine is known for.

The 2018 vintage is widely regarded as one of the best “balanced” vintages of recent years, combining full ripeness with freshness and elegance - a combination that shows clearly in this wine’s precision and ageing potential. 

Produced from biodynamically farmed vineyards in the Apalta amphitheatre, the wine is aged for around 24–25 months in French oak (majority new), building structure and complexity while maintaining balance and precision. 

The nose is complex and refined, showing blackberry, cassis and plum, layered with dried flowers, tobacco, spice and graphite. On the palate it is full-bodied yet remarkably polished, with silky tannins, concentrated dark fruit and vibrant acidity. There’s a lovely sense of tension and mineral freshness running through the wine, leading to a long, harmonious finish that combines power with finesse. 

Grape varieties: 64% Carménère, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot 

Style: Dry red, full-bodied Bordeaux-style blend

Drink window: 2024–2040+

Perfect for: Grilled ribeye, lamb, braised meats, rich stews, aged cheeses

98 points - James Suckling 

97 points - Decanter 

96 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 

93 points - Wine Spectator 

92 points - Wine Enthusiast 

Refined, balanced and beautifully composed - a standout Clos Apalta that pairs power with elegance in a superb vintage.