Great wines at great prices and it is my pleasure to introduce you to …
Los Vascos Cromas Wines – Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)
Yes, you read correctly, Baron de Rothschild (Lafite) Chateau in Bordeaux purchased these vineyards in 1988 and introduced Centuries-old winemaking experience into Chile. The name ‘Los Vascos’ comes from “Les Basques” and refers to the origins of the former owners who planted the first vines in around 1750 in Bordeaux. They are also the first French Wine Producers to expand into Chile.
Tasting these new vintages reminds me of my visit to Chile 22 years ago, and drinking some great wines and of course Pisco.
Los Vascos Cromas Cab Franc Grand Reserva 2019
Leaning towards an Old-World Cab Franc in style- not surprising given who is behind the winery. Violets dominate the nose with swirling layers of blackberries, cherries, herbs, and sweet tobacco. The palate is focused and welcoming with layers of blackberries and dark cherries with a potpourri of cooking herbs, bell pepper, plum, and a nice earthy note to round things out. Tannins are evident and supple without intruding. Nice lively attitude and is a pleasure to drink. This is a credit to all involved in establishing a benchmark for the future.
Los Vascos Cromas Syrah Grand Reserva 2019
If you’re interested in finding out what Syrah / Shiraz tastes like from somewhere other than Hermitage, California, or Australia, this is the one you’ve been looking for. Great body and structure with excellent balance between fruit, tannins, and acidity and great drinking making this a really pleasant surprise.
A captivating nose that encompasses violets, dark fruits, plums, sweet tobacco, and spices. The palate exudes balance, restraint, texture, and an expressive character with layers of blackberries, plums, and figs dominating with secondary layers of dark raspberries, red currents, sweet tobacco, and just a hint of dark chocolate and cedar box on the finish. This is drinking well now with an hour or so’s decanting to discover the wine’s best side but I can’t help thinking this will cellar out until 2030 with rewards for the patient.
Los Vascos Cromas Gran Reserva Carmenére 2019
This Grande Reserva Carmenére is another one of their ‘entry level’ wines but is anything but entry-level scoring 90 pt plus over several vintages.
This is one of the best Carmenére I’ve tried and most definitely the best in the under $40 price point. Interesting notes of blackberries, red fruits, and plums feature on this enticing nose. The palate is dominated by dark cherry with a hint of plum, smokey notes, and spices with subtly earthy and dark chocolate notes finishing things off. Should be enjoyed young so I would drink this over the next five years. Will pair well with Chicken and lighter red meat dishes as well as Pasta and Pizza.
Vine to Table 