Los Vascos Le Dix Cabernet Sauvignon

Los Vascos Le Dix Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley, Chile – A Masterpiece of Chilean Winemaking

Discover the unparalleled richness and depth of Los Vascos Le Dix, a flagship Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile's esteemed Colchagua Valley. This full-bodied red offers an exceptional drinking experience, perfect for discerning palates seeking a wine of remarkable structure, complexity, and ageing potential. Available now at The General Wine Company.

About the Producer: Domaine Barons de Rothschild & Los Vascos

The story of Los Vascos is one of visionary investment and a commitment to excellence. In 1988, the prestigious Domaine Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), renowned globally for their iconic Bordeaux First Growth, Château Lafite Rothschild, made a strategic decision to invest in Chile. Their chosen estate was Los Vascos, situated in the burgeoning Colchagua Valley. This marked a pivotal moment for Chilean winemaking, as one of the world's most respected wine houses recognised the immense potential of the region.

Since then, Los Vascos has flourished under the meticulous guidance of DBR (Lafite), combining traditional winemaking expertise with modern techniques. Today, Los Vascos stands as one of Chile's most important wineries, consistently producing wines of outstanding quality. Le Dix, their top red, is a testament to this dedication, frequently lauded as one of the country's most highly regarded labels and a benchmark for Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. It perfectly encapsulates the elegance and pedigree of DBR (Lafite) combined with the vibrant fruit and character of Chile.

Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Flavour and Texture

Los Vascos Le Dix is a truly impressive wine, a vibrant deep ruby in the glass, hinting at the concentration within. On the nose, an enticing complexity unfolds. You are greeted by a bouquet of sweet, ripe berry fruit, predominantly blackcurrant and blackberry, beautifully integrated with intriguing nuances of tobacco and black olive. As the wine breathes, subtle notes of dark chocolate emerge, adding another layer of sophisticated allure. It’s an inviting and evolving aromatic profile that promises a compelling journey.

The palate delivers on this promise with remarkable precision. This is a full-bodied red, undeniably rich and exceptionally structured. The ripe black fruit flavours burst forth, echoing the aromatic profile with intense notes of cassis and dark plum. These fruit characteristics are wonderfully balanced by an earthy tobacco spice, lending a savoury complexity that prevents the wine from being overtly fruit-driven. The texture is truly noteworthy – ripe and polished, it coats the mouth with a velvety sensation, leading to a long, satisfying finish. James Suckling, a highly respected wine critic, awarded the 2018 vintage an impressive 95 points, describing it as "flavourful, polished and long," a sentiment we wholeheartedly concur with.

While already showing immense character, Le Dix possesses significant ageing potential. The current vintage is still relatively young, and while approachable now, we strongly recommend opening it early and decanting for a minimum of 2-3 hours to allow its full potential to unfurl. Alternatively, cellar it for another 2-3 years, and you will be richly rewarded with a wine that evolves into a classic claret style, boasting an even greater depth of richness, enhanced velvety smoothness, and truly profound complexity. It's a testament to the quality of Chilean ripeness married with a refined, Bordeaux-esque structure.

Serving Suggestions: Elevating the Experience

To fully appreciate the magnificent qualities of Los Vascos Le Dix, proper serving is key.

• Temperature: Serve this wine at approximately 16-18°C. If it's too cold, the complex aromas and flavours will be muted; too warm, and the alcohol might become prominent.
• Decanting: As a powerful, full-bodied red with ageing potential, decanting is highly recommended, especially if you're enjoying a younger vintage. Pour the wine into a decanter at least 2-3 hours before serving to allow it to breathe and soften, letting its nuanced profile truly shine. For older vintages, decanting helps separate any sediment.
• Glassware: Use large, Bordeaux-style wine glasses. Their generous bowl allows for ample aeration and concentrates the complex aromatics towards the rim, enhancing your sensory experience.

Detailed Food Matches: A Culinary Pairing Guide

Los Vascos Le Dix, with its robust structure and rich fruit, demands food pairings that can stand up to its intensity.

• Red Meats: This is a classic partner for premium cuts of roast beef, especially a well-prepared sirloin or rib-eye. The wine's tannins will beautifully cut through the richness of the meat. Similarly, lamb shanks slow-cooked until meltingly tender, or pan-seared venison loin would be exquisite matches.
• Hard Cheeses: For a delightful cheese pairing, consider a mature, firm, and savoury British cheese. A well-aged Cheddar, particularly a traditional farmhouse style, would be an excellent choice. Its nutty, slightly sharp characteristics and crumbly texture will complement the wine's fruit and structure without overwhelming it. Another superb option is a mature Parmesan or a hard, aged Manchego, whose salty notes and firm texture create a compelling contrast.
• Hearty Dishes: Think rich, flavourful stews and casseroles. A traditional beef bourguignon or a robust oxtail stew would find a perfect companion in Le Dix. The wine's depth can handle the intense flavours of slow-cooked meats, root vegetables, and savoury broths.
• Grilled and Barbecued Fare: The smoky char from grilling can beautifully integrate with the tobacco and earthy notes in the wine. Consider grilled steak with a peppercorn sauce, or robust barbecued ribs.
• Dark Chocolate Desserts: For those adventurous with dessert pairings, a dark chocolate torte or a rich chocolate lava cake (with a high cocoa content) could create a surprisingly harmonious finish, echoing the dark chocolate notes found in the wine's aroma.

Allergies & Technical Information:

• Allergy information: Contains Sulphites.
• Wine Type: Red - Full Bodied
• Region: Colchagua Valley, Chile
• Appearance: Deep Ruby
• Grape Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon (with a touch of Syrah, as noted by the producer)
• Units: 10.875 Units
• ABV: 14.5%
• Volume: 750ml
• Dietary: Vegetarian
• Peak Drinking Window: While enjoyable now with decanting, this wine will continue to develop and improve, reaching its peak around 25 June 2030.

Experience the pinnacle of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. Purchase your bottle of Los Vascos Le Dix today from The General Wine Company and elevate your next special occasion or meal.