2015 Clos Apalta

46% Carmenère, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Particularly deep crimson. Very heady and ripe on the nose but not aggressively sweet or alcoholic. On the palate it’s a little too sweet for my taste. The acid and tannin creeps in rather aggressively on the finish, as does the alcohol. Unintegrated at the moment with rather a pinched finish. (JR)

Despite the warm and dry character of the year, I find the 2015 Clos Apalta, a blend of 57% Carménère, 26% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, to be less marked by the Carménère and with more integrated oak and better freshness. There is more Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It's spicy and herbal while ripe and powerful, full-bodied and with plenty of dusty tannins. It has a strong personality, and I find more balance here. 73,452 bottles produced.

The 2015 Clos Apalta Vinothèque blends 46% Carménère, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. After a decade, it shows clear signs of evolution, with green pepper, ripe black fruit and oak aromas giving way to a soft touch of dried fig. It is mature on the palate, with firm structure, integrated grip and a bittersweet chocolate note lingering on the finish.