Le Dix
The vintage
The year 1995 recorded rainfall around 500mm. This allowed sufficient water in soil for the 1996 season, which meant a good development and sprout in the vineyard. There was a direct effect on the yield levels up to 10 tons per hectare at El Fraile plot. The weather during the harvest was stable, no rains disturbed the picking. The grapes were healthy and in good sanitary conditions.
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 (100% 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.
Grapes
Tasting
Le Dix 1996 shows a red brick color, moving towards an orange tonality confirming its ageing.
In the nose the evolution is obvious, it reveals dry fruit aromas that reminds of dry plums, figs and raisins. Some spicy notes like cinnamon and white pepper can also be found, besides other slight aromas like dried tomatoes, mushrooms, tobacco, leather and dried cherry liquor. This wine is soft and silky with fine notes of acidity and bitterness. The tannins are sweet and pleasantly present.
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