So classy and elegant right out of the gate, the 2021 Le Petit Clos from Chilean icon Clos Apalta opens with juicy bramble fruit notes, a silky and supple mouthfeel, and a subtle underlying savory component, all for a very reasonable price. The “blue chip” wineries of Chile consistently present some of the strongest values on the wine market, with the scores to match – or sometimes beat – their peers in Napa and Bordeaux, and this second wine of Clos Apalta takes that generalization and turns up the volume. Designed to be consumed while young, this wine still has the gripping tannins and lingering finish to age for a few years at least. Simply put, this wine overdelivers! Made from 68% Carmenere, which comes through with bright cranberry and faint dried oregano undertones, the balance of the blend is 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, as well 1% Cabernet Franc. It is matured in 37% new French oak for 19 months, which adds additional structure and underlines the high standards and rigorous winemaking standards of Clos Apalta, not just for their flagship with but also this younger sibling. Throw this wine in a decanter for an hour or two and enjoy with a steak, roast potatoes and grilled vegetables.

The first striking thing about this wine is the colour. So deeply black and dark red! The next striking this is the lush nose of Kirsch and milk-chocolate cherry. This is followed by lightly savory herbal scents. On the palate, the texture has an initial soft bite followed very quickly by soft creamy black fruits and a light touch of cedary spice. The long finish is dry and coats the upper palate with dark red fruits and dry tannin. This is all after being open for one day! So, though it is lush and pretty and dense, it obviously has the ability to cellar for quite a bit of time and to stay fresh in the bottle after 24 plus hours.