This weekend we decided to try a couple of South American icons. My wife is a big Carménère fan so naturally she preferred the Clos Apalta, but fir me the Malbec was the clear winner. Both are clearly very young but easily drinkable even if they seem like they could age nicely.
Clos Apalta 2021, Chile
They call it a Bordeaux Blend, but it's 75% Carménère, 18% Cab and 7% Merlot. It's pours a dark purple and the nose is a delicious mix of blackberry and cherry which is presumably coming through from the Merlot and Cab. There's also a deep smoke & spice, black pepper and toast from the oak. The acidity was sharp and the tannins smooth. A great wine but for me the balance was just a touch off perfect. Decanted for an hour, the first glass was the best
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec 2021
Wow! I've not had this before, but I think it was my favorite Malbec I've ever tasted. Planter on a small plot in a dried out river bed at ~3500 feet, the stony soil imparts a luxurious aromatic quality to this wine. The first thing on the nose for me was cherry, but it was also floral and herb-y, so delicate in the glass. There was a slight sweetness to the nose, maybe vanilla? The taste was exquisite, light, delicate and silky with super smooth and integrated tannins. Extremely balanced with a light / medium acidity. The pro reviews say this is almost Pinot-Noir like and I can totally see that – not your regular Malbec but one I hope to enjoy again
by adamscj79
7 Comments
Just got the same bottle of Clos Apalta at Costco for $99. Looking forward to trying it!
Totally awesome, I feel like there’s not a lot of representation on the sub for special/upper end South American wine. Fantastic notes, thanks for sharing. The delicate quality of the malbec is not something I’d expect and it makes me extremely curious to try one.
Clos Apalta is delicious stuff. It’s Bordeaux-ish. Probably not gonna be showing strong in 30+ years, but it’s more accessible, and maybe a bit more complex in its youth. Montes Purple Angel is also really good if you haven’t had it. Around the same price range. 2018 was excellent.
Haven’t had that particular Catena Zapata, great producer though. If you’re willing to bump up the price, Fortuna Terrae (~$100) is probably the best Malbec I’ve ever had.
Love clos! That entire valley is great. Casa vina Silva !
This makes me very happy to have a 7 year vertical of the River.
Check out VIK winery in Chile, their winemaker was at Chat Margaux before going to South America. Just got their first 100 point ratings in their last vintage releases, one to watch for sure.
I have that bottle of Clos in my wine fridge – do you recommend holding it a bit longer to come into balance or drink now??