LOS VASCOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVE 2006

An elegant style, with cherry and currant fruit laced with tobacco, vanilla and mineral hints. Has nice length on the slightly dusty finish. -- The Wine Spectator.

Domaines Barons de Rothschild-Lafite took over the Los Vascos estate (Los Vascos meaning The Basques, in honor of its Basque origins) in 1988. At the time, the property extended to some 2,200 hectares, of which 220 hectares were under vine. The pioneering ambition of DBR in Chile was above all the result of extensive research into the potential of local wines. Many properties were visited and very many wines were tasted before choosing Los Vascos, because of its location near the ocean and its exceptional soil. Along with ideal weather conditions, Los Vascos benefits from intense exposure to the sun, adequate water sources, semi-arid soils and little risk of frost. The new Los Vascos project included major investment under the direction of the Technical Director at Château Lafite Rothschild. The vineyard was restructured, a replanting program was put in place and yields were reduced. Drilling provided a plentiful source of water and a weather monitoring station was installed in the vineyards. The Bodega itself was enlarged and modernized step by step to cope with the new requirements in winemaking and ageing. The refurbishment included the installation of stainless steel tanks, pneumatic presses and improvement to the barrel cellar. Los Vascos is now a single plot, 580 hectares vineyard in the heart of a 3,600 hectares Hacienda.