NEYEN ESPÍRITU DE APALTA 2020

Old-Vine Cabernet Sauvignon & Carménère from the Heart of Apalta

Region: Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon & Carménère
Style: Full-Bodied, Complex & Elegant
Alcohol: 13.5%
Oak Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels followed by approximately 6 months in French oak foudres

Style Summary

Neyen Espíritu de Apalta is a remarkable expression of one of Chile's most celebrated wine-growing areas, produced from exceptionally old vines in the natural amphitheatre of Apalta in the Colchagua Valley.

The estate is particularly distinguished by its ancient, ungrafted vines, planted on their own roots in soils untouched by phylloxera. These historic vineyards give Espíritu de Apalta extraordinary concentration while retaining the freshness, herbal complexity and mineral character that distinguish the finest wines of the region.

Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure, dark fruit and longevity, while Carménère contributes richness, spice, herbal complexity and a beautifully supple texture.

The 2020 is powerful yet sophisticated—a distinctly Chilean fine wine with impressive depth and a strong sense of place.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Complex and expressive, opening with blackberry, cassis, ripe plum and red berries, followed by layers of sweet spice, tobacco leaf, dried herbs, graphite and subtle earthy notes.

Palate:
Rich and concentrated, with blackberry, fig and dark berry fruit complemented by savory herbs, spice and an attractive mineral character. Despite its depth, the wine retains excellent freshness and balance.

Structure:
Full-bodied with polished, finely integrated tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone and structure, while Carménère brings roundness and a silky texture through the mid-palate.

Finish:
Long and persistent, gradually revealing dark fruit, tobacco, herbs, earth and sweet spice.

Summary

Neyen Espíritu de Apalta 2020 is a sophisticated old-vine Chilean red that demonstrates just how compelling the combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère can be in Apalta.

The character of the wine is shaped by its historic vineyards, with extremely old vines producing naturally low yields and concentrated fruit.

Rather than relying simply on power and ripeness, Espíritu de Apalta combines concentration with freshness, polished tannins and the distinctive savory, herbal character of Carménère.

It is a superb alternative for collectors who enjoy top Bordeaux blends, Napa Cabernet or other structured New World reds but are looking for something with a distinctly Chilean identity.

Vintage Notes – 2020

The 2020 Espíritu de Apalta displays a particularly rich and earthy personality, combining ripe fruit with the freshness and herbal character typical of the Apalta terroir.

The varieties are matured separately before blending, with approximately 12 months in French oak barrels, followed by a further six months in larger French oak foudres.

This combination allows the wine to gain complexity and structure while preserving the character of its old-vine fruit.

Critical Acclaim

96 Points – Tim Atkin MW

93 Points – Wine Enthusiast

Wine Enthusiast highlighted the wine's combination of old-vine fruit, full body and balance, with blackberry, herbal and earthy characteristics.

Drinking Window

Recommended: Now–2033+

The 2020 already has enough fruit and polish to be enjoyed today, particularly with food, but its structure and concentration should allow it to continue developing beautifully in bottle.

With additional age, expect the primary blackberry and cassis character to evolve toward more complex notes of tobacco, leather, forest floor, dried herbs, cedar and earth.

If drinking now: Decant for approximately 60–90 minutes.

Serving Temperature: Approximately 16–18°C / 60–64°F.

Food Pairing

Excellent with:

• Slow-roasted leg of lamb

• Rack of lamb with rosemary

• Beef tenderloin

• Grilled ribeye

• Boeuf Bourguignon

• Osso Buco

• Braised beef short ribs

• Venison

• Wild mushroom dishes

• Aged hard cheeses

For a particularly good pairing, I would choose slow-roasted lamb with rosemary and a rich jus. The herbal character of the Carménère works beautifully with rosemary, while the Cabernet Sauvignon provides the structure for the richness of the lamb.