Le Dix
The vintage
The 2018 season benefited from ideal weather. It began with normal rainfall, creating favourable conditions for bud break and the setting of the fruit. The minimum temperatures did not reach extreme levels, so there was no damage from frosts. The summer brought temperatures that did not exceed 35°C, giving the vines excellent conditions for photosynthesis, and resulting in slow, efficient ripening. This factor and the absence of rain at the end of the season were essential in enabling us to harvest at the optimal time, thereby obtaining musts and wines with superb balance
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.
Vinification
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
Le Dix has a beautiful intense, bright, deep red colour.
The nose is complex, with aromas of black cherry, ripe strawberry and plum, underscored by a hint of oak, with delicate notes of cedar, graphite and dark chocolate.
On the palate, this great vintage is revealed in all its splendour, with soft, firm tannins and, thanks to the cool nights at Los Vascos, some acidity to accompany this balance. Without doubt one of the best vintages of the decade.
Alcohol content
14.5
Grapes
Cabernet sauvignon
: 92 %
Syrah
: 8 %