The 2014 Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta is a proprietary red blend from the Colchagua Valley in Chile, produced by Casa Lapostolle. This blend comprises Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, with a small addition of Petit Verdot as mentioned by Decanter. The wine has an alcohol content of 15.0% and is sealed with a cork closure.
James Suckling awarded this wine a perfect score of 100 points, describing it as the first from this producer to achieve such a distinction. Suckling highlighted its "aromas of fresh herbs and dark berry and floral undertones" and noted its "full body, very linear and ultra-fine tannins." He praised its "precision and perfection," recommending it for immediate consumption or further aging ("jamessuckling.com," April 2018).
Decanter also provided a noteworthy review, giving the wine 94 points. They detailed the wine's history, noting the Marnier Lapostolle family's realization of the Apalta terroir's potential and the establishment of Clos Apalta as a special bottling. The wine is described as having "cedar and liquorice spicy aromas," with a "supple-textured, richly concentrated" profile that includes "powerful, cassis opulence" and a "muscular structure." Decanter also mentioned the wine's biodynamic certification in 2011 and its fermentation in small French oak vats ("Decanter," October 2017).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated the 2014 vintage at 93 points. Reviewer Luis Gutiérrez commented on its "lots of tannins and some astringency," noting that it "suffers when compared with the 2015." The wine matured in 100% new French oak barrels for 26 months ("Robert Parker's Wine Advocate," November 2018).
Wine Spectator also scored this wine 94 points, describing it as "refined and rich," with a "concentrated array of dark fruit, savory herb and Asian spice flavors." They noted dark chocolate accents in the finish and recommended drinking it through 2024 ("Wine Spectator," November 2018).
Wine Enthusiast echoed the 94-point rating, highlighting a "concentrated nose with cassis and chocolate-cake aromas," and a "ripe, saturated palate" with flavors of "blackberry and chocolate" that carry through to a smooth finish ("Wine Enthusiast," October 2018).
Finally, Jane Anson reviewed a library release of the 2014 vintage, giving it 93 points. She noted that even after a decade, the wine's "100% new oak remains present and smoky," but softens to reveal "creamy damson fruit with pencil lead and liquorice." Anson mentioned the wine's density and its potential for another decade of aging ("janeanson.com," February 2024).
In summary, the 2014 Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta is a highly acclaimed Chilean red blend, praised for its complexity, structure, and aging potential, with standout reviews highlighting its excellence and precision.