Los Vascos Le Dix OWC2 Set (Vintage 2010 & 2018)

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. Made with the utmost care, just like the Bordeaux Grands Crus. Grapes are carefully selected and hand harvested. This wine will reveal its complexity with further bottle ageing. Cellar in good conditions for up to ten years or more.

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.

Winemaker notes

2018: 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.

2010

James Suckling 93: The aromas of this are complex with currants and blackberries with rose petal and hints of sweet tobacco. This is extremely balanced and harmonious with pretty fruit and hints of sandalwood and 85% cabernet sauvignon, 10% carmenere, and 5% syrah. 18 months in barrel, mostly new oak. 10,000 cases.

Wine Enthusiast 93: For price and quality, Le Dix 2010 takes things to a high level. The nose on this Cabernet-led blend is full of violet, lilac, cassis and mild oak. The palate is multilayered and has a complex feel to it, while flavors of baked berry, cassis, coffee and marzipan finish with size and length. This is one of the most balanced and complete versions of Le Dix to date.

2018

Wine Advocate 92: The classical modern 2018 Le Dix was made with Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Syrah, produced in a clean style with good ripeness and generous oak coming through as both powerful and elegant, varietal, spicy and peppery, with a balanced palate and fine tannins. I liked the seriousness, balance and harmony. 96,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2020 after 20% of the wine remained in concrete while the rest was in barrel for 18 months.

James Suckling 95: Cedary wood with cigars, sandalwood, cassis, blackberries, chili chocolate and a fine twist of balsamic note. Medium to full body with a smooth but tight frame, imbedded with creamy, melted tannins. Flavorful, polished and long. Drinkable now, but better after 2024.

Vinous 94: The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Le Dix also has an 8% dash of Syrah from Peralillo, Colchagua. Aged in 60% new barrels, it's garnet in the glass with a purple sheen. The compellingly complex nose begins with subtle aromas of black currant and sour cherry followed by blueberries, bay leaf, spice and a coconutty backdrop from the aging process. In the mouth, this is full-bodied with rich, fruity flavor supported by the juice and a delicate freshness that stretches out the bold finish. Followers of this long-lasting wine will find that it's grown rather juicier lately.