2016 Clos Apalta Le Petit Clos

The "second wine" here, the 2016 Le Petit Clos is a very different blend from the 2015; it is now mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with just 4% Merlot and 1% Carménère, while last year it was almost half Carménère. The vineyards are now certified in organic and biodynamic agriculture. The bunches were hand-destemmed, and the grapes fermented in oak vats with indigenous yeasts and a six-week maceration. Malolactic was in barrique, and the élevage happened as follows: the wine spent seven months in new French barriques, and then 71% of the volume was transferred to French oak barriques (22% new and 49% second year), while the rest of the wine was put in oak vats. The élevage was 23 months in total. With the change in varieties, this feels very different from the Clos Apalta—more Cabernet here and more Carménère there. The nose is elegant and nuanced, with herbs, spices and a core of ripe red and black fruit, quite varietal and with integrated oak. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with round tannins and vibrant acidity, making it long and supple. I think it's a step up over the 2015. 43,826 bottles were produced. It was bottled in September 2018. The wine is 14.7% alcohol and has a pH of 3.49.

95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 1% Carmenère. Harvest 21 March to 2 May. Costs one-third of Clos Apalta. Mid crimson. Rather fresh and bordelais on the nose. Zesty and lively with a fine tannic backbone. I think this might compare rather well with many a classed growth. No shortage of acidity. Lively. (JR)

A juicy and delicious second wine from Clos Apalta. Beautiful, ripe and delicious with dark berries and mushrooms. Full-bodied and very balanced with complex walnut, spice and berry character. Dark chocolate and hazelnuts at the finish. Drinkable now, but better in 2022.