The 2020 Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta is a red proprietary blend from the Colchagua Valley in Chile. This vintage, produced by Casa Lapostolle, comprises 64% Carménère, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. The wine boasts a significant 15% alcohol content and is sealed with a cork closure.

James Suckling awarded the wine an impressive 99 points, lauding its refined and layered character. He notes, “fine olives, incense, cigar box, cocoa powder, Spanish chocolate, pencil shavings, graphite and fine spices,” on the nose. The palate is “juicy, bright and full-bodied with a fine saline, savory twist,” and Suckling praises its “real finesse from 2020." He suggests it will be best enjoyed from 2024 (jamessuckling.com, 4/24/2023).

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave it 95 points, describing it as “ripe, concentrated, dense and powerful.” The review highlights its production process, including fermentation with indigenous yeasts and malolactic fermentation in new French oak barrels. The wine underwent 27 months of aging in 85% new barrels and 15% second-use barrels, resulting in a “creamy, smoky and spicy personality” with notes of “sweet spices, such as cinnamon and vanilla and ripe blackberries” (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 8/31/2023).

Vinous awarded the wine 96 points, noting its “rich purple hue” and “clearly defined, ripe, complex nose” with “prune and blueberry jam along with hints of pepper, tobacco, and rosemary.” The palate is described as “creamy and broad in the mouth with good volume” and “polished tannins” (Vinous, 6/1/2023).

Decanter rated it 97 points, emphasizing its power, richness, and fruitiness while retaining “a sense of charisma and direction.” The review highlights its “bright, forward, sleek and silky tannins” and the complex blend of flavors including “liquorice, eucalyptus, figs, plums, and a salty-wet stone minerality” (Decanter, 7/31/2023).

Jane Anson also rated it 96 points, noting the enticing layers of “tobacco, cocoa bean, redcurrant, blackberry, and pomegranate.” She mentions the “good acidity to support the spicy core of toasted oak, cloves, liquorice, cigar box, Provence herbs, and soft, supple tannins” (janeanson.com, 9/1/2023).

Jeb Dunnuck gave it 97 points, describing it as offering “gorgeous aromatics of red and black plums, smoked tobacco, fresh flowers, and spicy oak.” He notes its “beautiful depth and concentration” and praises its “ultra-fine, polished tannins” (jebdunnuck.com, 5/20/2024).

Overall, the 2020 Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta is a critically acclaimed wine, noted for its complexity, depth, and refined character. Each review underscores its potential for aging and its ability to pair well with rich, powerful foods.