For some time now Chile has produced some very fine wines and have become Universally popular. None so famous as this wine.

With the award of 100 points from James Suckling in his recent Chilean report, the superstar Clos Apalta has pinned another medal to its chest being the only winery in Chile successfully given two consecutive 100Pts with 2014 and now 2015 vintage. Impressive as this accolade is, it is not a breakthrough moment: Clos Apalta has been one of the most decorated wines from anywhere in the world over the past decade.

The wine has constantly been praised by the wine lover’s bible, The Wine Spectator having reached top positioning on many occasions, the only South American wine to do so.

Clos Apalta is the flagship wine of the Marnier Lapostolle family, owners of Grand Marnier and Chateau de Sancerre in France, and since its debut vintage in 1997 has gone from strength to strength. Many of the vines are ungrafted thanks to the estate’s geographical protection from phylloxera and go back to 1910; in addition, Bordelaise techniques including high density planting combine with organic and biodynamic (certified since 2006) vineyard treatment and the natural benefits of the region – warm days, cool nights.

It’s not an inexpensive wine at around 100€ a bottle and is one for the real enthusiast.  Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a mix of Merlot (19%) and Cabernet Franc (5%) it is, as to be expected, a full bodied wine with deep colour and a nose of dark berries and floral undertones.

(thanks to Bordeaux Index London for some information)