Le Dix
The vintage
The season began with a relatively dry winter, with a cumulative rainfall of only 300 mm, almost half that for last year. Temperatures during the winter varied between 1°C and 21°C (averages of the minimum and maximum temperatures), which is consistent with normal averages. Spring was generally warm in the region, with temperatures reaching 30°C. The presence of high temperatures combined with the low rainfall during the winter resulted in the decision to bring irrigation forward to the spring. The high temperatures continued into the summer, obliging us to start the harvest 20 days earlier than in the previous season.
The harvests took place from 21 to 25 March.
Location
Stretching from the Coastal range to the foothills of the Andes mountains, Colchagua’s Mediterranean climate and privileged terroirs have made it a place of choice to produce quality wines in Chile. Los Vascos estate lies at the foothills of the coastal range, 200km South West of Santiago, in the cooler part of Colchagua where the vines benefit from the natural cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean.
Terroir
Le Dix is predominantly made from an old plot of Cabernet Sauvignon called El Fraile, which means the Monk. Nestled at the heart of the vineyard, the vines are planted at high density and produce high quality grapes of remarkable concentration. Selected Syrah and Carmenère are blended in to add complexity to the wine.
Winemaking
Le Dix is made with the utmost care, just like the Bordeaux Grands Crus. Grapes are carefully selected and hand harvested. After desteming, they are placed in temperature controlled stainless steel vats for alcoholic fermentation. During maceration gentle pump- over are performed when necessary for a gentle extraction of the tannins and colouring compounds. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally in tanks, then the wine is transferred into French oak barrels made by the Tonnellerie des Domaines in Pauillac (60% new oak) for a period of 18 months. This wine will reveal its complexity with further bottle ageing. Cellar in good conditions for up to ten years or more.
Tasting
This wine presents a deep ruby red color.
The nose is beautifully complex with notes of plums, cherries and liquorice with spicy undertones of nutmeg, cinnamon and white pepper.
On the palate, the wine shows a good volume and structure with nice mature tannins balanced by a good concentration. Le Dix 2017 presents a good ageing potential. Serve at 16-18ºC.
Alcohol content
14.5
Grapes
Cabernet sauvignon
: 95 %
Syrah
: 5 %