Le Dix
Presentation
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.
The vintage
Rainfall was relatively low (347 mm) in 2010, and so irrigation was necessary as soon as the winter ended, in August and September. This extra water enabled the vines to continue in a normal growth cycle.
Temperatures were cool during the flowering stage resulting in lower yields with less compact bunches. Growth was then healthy and regular, producing grapes of outstanding quality with remarkable concentration.
The harvests began on 19 April and took place in optimal conditions. A team of experienced pickers is dedicated to harvesting the grapes for 'Dix de Los Vascos' from the vineyard’s oldest plot ('El Fraile').
Winemaking
Length of ageing in oak barrels: 18 months in 100% new barrels.
Tasting
Deep ruby red colour with light shades of brick. Bouquet of ripe red fruit such as plums, cherries and raspberries which blend with light notes of liqueur. Maturing in French oak barrels from the Tonnellerie de DBR (Lafite) cooperage gives the wine pleasant toasted notes which are well-integrated with flavours of black olives, black pepper, chocolate brownie, walnuts and chestnuts, all underscored with a hint of fresh figs, tobacco and cedar.
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with good structure, volume, and tannins which combine to offer a wine of outstanding elegance, balance and personality.
Alcohol content
14
Grapes
Cabernet sauvignon
: 85 %
Carménère²
: 10 %
Syrah
: 5 %