2011 Los Vascos Grande Reserve

Despite being historically linked to Spain, Chile's wine history has been most profoundly influenced by French winemaking, particularly that of Bordeaux. This association is exemplified at one of Chile’s best vineyard sites, 'Los Vascos', an Estate in Colchagua, specialising in the production of superb Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as other Bordeaux varietals, under the supervision of one of the Old World's most prestigious Chateaux - Lafite Rothschild.

‘Superb Richness with a Bordeaux like sense of elegance still shining through.’

Domaines Barons de Rothschild took over the Los Vascos Estate in 1988. Prior to purchasing, the Rothschild team visited many properties and tasted many wines to ensure that the terroir they purchased was the best possible acquisition. The vineyard is located 40 km from the Pacific Ocean, some 130m above sea level. The site has excellent exposure to sunlight as well as adequate water resources, semi arid soils and is frost free. When the venture first started, Rothschild's brief to the winemaking team was modest '...make a really good $7 wine'.

Only after ten years of experimentation did he feel they were ready to make wines of the highest quality. The Estate's wines continue to be made under the supervision of Lafite's winemaking team. As the vineyards have matured, the quality of Los Vascos wines have improved, in particular the premium wines, 'Grande Reserve' & the ' Le Dix de Los Vascos'.

The 2011 Grande Reserve is produced from a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Carmenère, 10% Syrah, 5% Malbec and was matured for 12 months in French oak of which 20% was new.

Totally opaque black crimson red colour with deep dark crimson red purple hue. Ripe blackcurrant notes exude from the glass followed by some black cherry, tobacco characters, cedar and spice. Medium to full bodied with a level of richness and substance that belies its price the palate is decked out with perfectly ripened blackcurrant and dark cherry flavours that are followed by some cigar box characters and spicy cedar. Slightly dryish finish with very fine grained perfectly integrated tannins. Long expressive aftertaste of ripe blackcurrant, cigar box, tobacco and spice.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc 14.0%