The 2018 Le Petit Clos is bold, polished, and unmistakably Apalta. A blend led by Carmenère and Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s rich with ripe red and black fruits, gentle spice, and a smooth, structured feel. Notes of cherry, blackberry, dried flowers, and subtle oak come through on a long, refined finish. Organically and biodynamically grown, this second wine of Clos Apalta balances power and finesse with ease. Drinking beautifully now, with more to give over the next few years.

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: Aug 31, 2021
Drink: 2021-2028

The 2018 Le Petit Clos, a second wine born in 2014, was produced with a blend of 53% Carmenere, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot from organically and biodynamically certified vineyards even if the bottled doesn't carry the seals. It's ripe and powerful with the Apalta signature, earthy and stony. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak vats and matured in French barriques for some 22 months. It's full-bodied with a lush texture and round tannins, a softer version of the 2016. 89,472 bottles produced. It was bottled in October 2020.

Jamessuckling | JS 94
Published: May 14, 2021

A medium-bodied red with blackberry, red-berry and spice aromas and flavors. It’s chewy and polished with a medium finish. Dried flowers to the fruit at the finish. Tight and reserved now. Drink in 2022 and onwards.

Wine Spectator | WS 92
Published: Dec 31, 2022

Well-defined, showing wet stone and floral notes up front, joining red currant and cherry flavors that swell around lively mineral acidity and linger nicely around notes of peppercorn and cinnamon bark. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2028. 7,456 cases made, 350 cases imported.