Le Dix, meaning ten in French, was introduced in 1998 to celebrate Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite’s first ten years in Chile. Le Dix de Los Vascos is grown in the exceptional vineyard, called El Fraile, which means “the monk”, the oldest planted vineyard at Los Vascos and the original vineyard on the estate. The vineyard is 100% planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and many parcels of the vineyard have vines reaching 80 years in age. The vineyard coveres some 200 acres. Los Vascos is located in Valley de Caneten (Colchagua), a closed valley in the central zone of Chile, approximately 25 miles from the sea. The valley provides a perfect microclimate for high quality viticulture, with Northern exposure. With 1,581 acres planted on the over 10,000 acre estate, it is one of the largest vineyards in the central Colchagua valley, at the foot of Mount Caneten.
TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES
The valley provides a perfect microclimate for high quality viticulture, with Northern exposure. Daily on-shore winds provide temperature changes between 68-77°F, for optimum maturation of the grapes. The biggest challenge of the 2019 season was the excessively high temperatures in late January and early February, which reached 104°F. Fortunately, the cool nights resulted in high-quality grapes that ripened to perfection and boast amazing balance. The harvest was carried out April 11–17, entirely by hand, which subsequently allowed for a more precise selection. Compared to the 2018 vintage, the “El Fraile” lots were harvested 10 days earlier, reflecting a warmer season.
Winemaking & Aging
Le Dix is made with the utmost care, just like the Bordeaux Grands Crus. Grapes are carefully selected and hand harvested. After destemming, they are placed in temperature controlled stainless steel vats for alcoholic fermentation. 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 10+ years.
