2021 Casa Lapostolle - Valle de Colchagua Clos Apalta Le Petit Clos (750ml)

Casa Lapostolle introduced Le Petit Clos in 2014 as a second wine to its flagship Clos Apalta, offering winemaker Jacques Begarie a chance to explore a different interpretation of the same Apalta terroir. The wine also serves a practical purpose within the estate, giving younger vines an opportunity to show what they can do before being considered for inclusion in the Grand Vin. Since its founder Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle first discovered the Apalta Valley in 1994, the family has built its reputation on minimal intervention winemaking centered on this single, granite walled amphitheater within Colchagua.

The 2021 vintage blends sixty eight percent Carménère with sixteen percent Cabernet Sauvignon, fifteen percent Merlot, and a small portion of Cabernet Franc, all grown on the Apalta Vineyard under organic and biodynamic management. The year brought its share of challenges, including unpredictable weather and the disruptions of the pandemic, yet yields still came in generous and the resulting fruit reached excellent quality by harvest.

The wine shows a deep purple hue, ripened by the freshness of the vintage into a character that is expressive without being heavy. Aromas of plum and blackberry mingle with bay leaf, boldo, and a touch of menthol over an ashy, marmalade like core. The palate is indulgent and plush, with a soft, generous mouthfeel that lingers with a precise, juicy finish. It pairs nicely with roasted lamb, wild boar stew, or a rich beef empanada.