Rapel

Lapostolle Wines was founded in 1994 by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle, heiress to the Grand Marnier empire, to create world class wines using the French experience and the magnificent terroirs of Chile. The company now owns 370 hectares of vines, producing around 200000 cases annually, with the jewel in the crown being Clos Apalta, a single vineyard cuvee from a sub region of the Colchagua valley.

First launched in 1997, the wine is a blend of Carmenere (Chile’s signature red grape), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Made with a firm nod to Bordeaux, but from the more Mediterranean climate provided by this part of Chile, the 2014 vintage is the finest to date.

Textured, complex, yet as refreshing as a dawn dip in the Pacific, Costa will satisfy your hedonistic side while appealing to your inner wine geek. Winemaker Cristóbal Undurraga attributes its crystalline character to the rocky (granite and quartz) soils and maritime climate of Paredones, some 120 kilometres west of Koyle’s base in Los Lingues. But terroir isn’t the only talking point: a third of the final blend is barrel fermented, a third in stainless steel and the final third in concrete eggs.
Expect aromas of nettles, hay and bay leaf. The palate combines mouth-watering acidity with a compelling mealiness.
Will Heslop, Buyer. Berry Bros. & Rudd. 

A “perfect summer” in 2015 has resulted in great volume of fruit on the nose, hints of new oak too, a much bigger wine than previous vintages. The Cabernet dominates on the palate with notes of ripe blackcurrant, cedar and spice, rich and full-bodied. Merlot and Carmenere are in evidence too, rounding-out and filling-out the mouthfeel on the palate and adding some depth and complexity. The rich fruit is balanced by crisp acidity and full, firm tannins. A big, rich Clos Apalta, clearly built for the long-term, this will need a few years in the cellar, but has a wonderful, long life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2040+.
Chris Pollington, Private Account Manager