2023 Clos Apalta Prelude Colchagua Valley

Lovely freshness from this warm year, with good depth and concentration. Fresh cherries, blackberries, paprika, spices and tapenade on the nose. Juicy and almost full-bodied on the palate, with melted, dusty tannins and a long finish. 50% carmenere, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 10% merlot. About 16 months in barrels, of which 18% were new oak and the rest is second-use. Drink from 2026. ~ 95 James Suckling

The 2023 Prelude opens with a quintessentially Carménère-driven nose of ripe red fruits, dried herbs and spices against a lush backdrop of roasted coffee and black licorice aromas. The palate is seamless and polished, concluding with a similarly svelte finish framed with powdery tannins and a creamy undercurrent. This is a blend of 50% Carménère, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. ~ 91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

So aromatic, dark black fruit, bramble berries - ripe and heady, deep and seductive. Damson plum, earthy scents, wet soil and a touch of gunsmoke. Intensely perfumed blackcurrants, liquorice and black chocolate. Svelte and streamlined with soft, well-integrated tannins and gorgeous fruit purity - keeps a streamlined structure. Poised, lovely delicacy, nothing overblown. There’s power but also restraint. Some granite and pencil lead minerality really adds the salinity and touch of metalicism as well as spice and toast accent the fruit but overall stay in the background. Ends on a toasted liquorice note. Great quality. ~ 91 Decanter