Red Blend, "Clos Apalta" Lapostolle, CL, 2019

The second wine from Clos Apalta, the 2019 Le Petit Clos was produced with a blend of 49% Carmenere, 30% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot from granite soils. It fermented with indigenous yeasts with four to five weeks of maceration with manual punchdowns and malolactic in French oak barrels. The élevage was eight months in new barrels and a further 14 months in 50% new oak and 50% second use. It's a ripe and powerful red with 14.5% alcohol and a pH of 3.6. It has a nose of herbs and spices, and it's creamy and lush, with a juicy texture and a full body with an herbal finish. It has mellow acidity and a soft mouthfeel through round and fine tannins. 41,988 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2021.

Grilled cedar oak on the first nose, and a punch of spice. Transports you to South America, with its red pepper spices, passionfruit and sweet black cherry fruit. This is enjoyable, unfussy, has a deliciously supple texture. Harvest March 13-May 13, taking a leisurely two months. Old vines head up to 100 years old, and the oldest ones are ungrafted. The first vintage of Petit Clos was in 2014, with the blend made in the cellar rather than specific plots. 8 months in new French oak, then 50/50 barrel and stainless steel.

Aromatic and herbal nose of thyme, bay leaves, currants, blackberries, licorice and pomelo pith. Medium-bodied with a fleshy, delicious and open palate. Ripe tannins. Plush and caressing finish. 49% carmenere, 30% merlot, 18% cabernet sauvignon and 3% petit verdot. Drink now or hold.