Clos Apalta 'Prelude' Red Blend 2023

Clos Apalta ‘Prelude’ 2023 - Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Elegant, expressive and unmistakably Apalta, Prelude is the newest addition to the Clos Apalta family, offering a vibrant introduction to one of Chile’s most iconic estates. Aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry and ripe red cherry are layered with sweet spice, tobacco, graphite, herbs and a subtle floral lift. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins, juicy dark fruit and a beautifully balanced structure. There’s impressive concentration, but also freshness and restraint, finishing long with notes of cocoa, spice and mineral complexity.

Made exclusively from estate-grown fruit in the Apalta Valley, the 2023 is a blend of 50% Carménère, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. The wine is matured for around 17 months in French oak barrels, predominantly second and third fill, preserving fruit purity while adding texture and polish. Crafted with the same meticulous attention as Clos Apalta’s flagship wines, Prelude captures the estate’s hallmark elegance and sense of place in a style that is approachable in its youth while retaining excellent ageing potential.

Grape Variety: Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Style: Red – Full-bodied, structured, elegant Bordeaux-style blend

Drink Window: Now – 2035

Perfect For: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, venison, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses

Critic Scores:

95 points - James Suckling
92 points - Vinous
91 points - Decanter

A beautifully crafted introduction to the Clos Apalta style - rich, refined and wonderfully balanced, offering exceptional pedigree and value from one of Chile’s great estates.