Los Vascos Le Dix de Los Vascos

Wine information: Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) took over the Los Vascos estate (Los Vascos meaning The Basque , in honour of its Basque origins) in 1988. At the time, the property extended to some 2,200 hectares, of which 220 hectares were under vine. The new Los Vascos project included major investment under the direction of the Technical Director at Château Lafite Rothschild from 1983 to 1994. The vineyard was restructured, a replanting programme was put in place and yields were reduced. Drilling provided a plentiful source of water and a weather monitoring station was installed in the vineyards. The bodega itself was enlarged and modernised step by step to cope with the new requirements in winemaking and ageing. In commemoration of 10 years of DBR (Lafite)’s work in Chile, the exceptional quality of some of the cuvées led to the selection of an exceptional wine. Le Dix de Los Vascos originates from 70-year-old vines located in the parcel known as “El Fraile”, and is aged in new French oak barrels. It is only produced in very limited quantities, depending on the concentration and the finesse of the vintage (there was no “Le Dix” in 1998 or in 2005). This is a wine of exceptional complexity, balance and elegance, with powerful tannins and aromas of very ripe fruit accentuated by spicy notes of cedar, laurel and eucalyptus. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon ( more than 85%), Syrah and Carmenère.

Tasting Notes: Los Vascos Le Dix de Los Vascos "is a very deep red colour with purple highlights. The nose has a very good intensity and reveals fresh and ripe red fruit aromas. It is very pure and defined. The long ageing brings notes of oak that are pleasantly integrated into the wine. It is accompanied by light aromas of toast and grilling as well as and some spicy notes (a Carmenère feature); both are soft and do not dominate the wine. In mouth, the wine is, at first, rather soft and discreet but it rapidly acquires an elegant fullness. The tannins, round and supple at first, become powerful and tight. The wine remains harmonious, balanced and introduces a nice freshness. This is a typical feature of fine Cabernet Sauvignon when conditions of ripening are optimum. Aromas of violet and eucalyptus are present in the finish. It is very long, full and consistent. The last noticeable tannins are still young but will rapidly soften after some months of bottle age." www.lafite.com

Reviews: "Rich and bold from the start, with cassis, raspberry, coffee and tobacco aromas that yield to creamy mocha upon airing. The palate is ripe, tannic and structured, with blackfruit flavors, a touch of herbs and espresso. Long and herbal on the finish, with a smooth fade. Drink now through 2015." M.S. (6/1/2011). 91 points, Wine Enthusiast.

 
     

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