The Viña Seña said “See ya later!” and vanished quicker than we expected. Have no fear we have Trinité Estate 2017 ‘Acaibo’ Cabernet Blend up on our homepage now!

Appy People! As if featuring the perfect Seña isn’t enough on a Friday, hope there’s room in your locker. If not, this is worth starting a new one with!

Pefr James Suckling “there’s no doubt that Clos Apalta is one of the world’s greatest red wines.”

Behold!! THE Clos Apalta!

The one Suckling compares to “Bordeaux’s Château Lafite Rothschild, Tuscany’s Sassicaia or California’s Opus One” The 2019 vintages of those average over $1,100, $300, and $400 respectively.

At $175 it’s a comparable bargain, no doubt. For $125? Few wines can compete on the same level.

When it took the #1 Wine of the Year spot, Wine Spectator noted, “The wine’s price has remained relatively modest through the years, considering the investment behind it, particularly so in comparison to prices for benchmark wines from regions such as Bordeaux, Napa and Tuscany.”

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous echoes the sentiment: “Clos Apalta is the jewel in the crown of the Bournet family, who also own Lapostolle. From a winery hewn into the granite rock of Apalta and with winemaking overseen by the renowned oenologist Michel Rolland, they make only two wines, both in the Bordelais style: Clos Apalta and Le Petit Clos, two Carménère-based blends.”

And what near perfect Bordeaux, or any Michel Rolland red can be had for a hair over $100? Mic drop.

Thanks to the best deal you can get on this extreme collectible anywhere. And what did we think of it? Flabbergasted by its sheer depth, complexity, intensity, beauty. It’s a singularly unique wine, built from 75% Carmenère, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Merlot. Plush, inky, and concentrated with gobs of black fruit, fresh rhubarb pie, melted black licorice, cinnamon/clove, green pepper and a hint of smoked meats. Truly a feast for the senses!

Not much allocated so claim yours while it’s here…

In the meantime, we’ll let the reviews do the talking…

100 Points – James Suckling “Extremely aromatic with red currants, blackcurrants, spices, iodine, paprika and subtle hints of white pepper. Fresh flowers, fresh sage, lavender and some pine needles and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with perfectly integrated tannins that go on for minutes with refined and harmonious fruit that integrates beautifully into the wine, giving it a weightless structure that shows class and verve. Endless balance and length. It’s so balanced that you could drink it now but it will age for decades.”

98 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous “The 2021 Clos Apalta comprises 75% Carménère, with the remainder filled out by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, sourced from the eponymous Apalta Vineyard. It was aged for 24 months in oak barrels, two-thirds of which were new. This dark purple wine reveals nuanced aromas of graphite, herbs, dried plums and blackberry marmalade, complemented by mint, boldo and garrigue-like notes over a green bell pepper layer. Plush and ample on the palate, it is lifted by a mild refreshing quality that adds a rare nimbleness to its flow. This long-lasting red is a serious wine, less influenced by Michel Rolland’s style than in other years, as the fresh vintage imparted a lighter, less ripe and more expressive character. Clos Apalta is one of those rare Chilean wines that reliably showcases the characteristics of each vintage while maintaining a consistent house style. That steadiness is a boon for consumers, as it allows them to appreciate the impact of different vintages, which is a significant part of the allure of high-quality wines. Drink 2028-2040.”