DBR (Lafite) Los Vascos Cromas Gran Reserva Syrah

Background

Los Vascos wines blend Lafite tradition with the unique terroir of Chile to create elegant wines that bring exceptional to the everyday. The vision of Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite to expand their estate took them to South America in 1988, becoming the first French viticultural investment in modern Chile. Los Vascos, one of the largest vineyards in the central Colchagua valley, is located in Valley de Caneten (Colchagua) approximately 25 miles from the sea, within a perfect microclimate for high quality viticulture.

“Cromas” is derived from the Greek word for color. The Cromas Gran Reserva range celebrates the many colors found in nature by the distinctive color on its packaging, reflecting the colors of grapes and the colors of the terroir. When exploring elevations at the foothills of the mountains, a specific kind of ochre granite was discovered, ideally suited to plant new vineyards which produce wines of incomparable precision and elegance.

From the deep purple of the Andes Mountains to the slate black sands of the pacific shore and the burnt orange of foothill plots, Cromas synthesizes the unique spirit and complexity of Los Vascos terroir while incorporating a commitment to quality at every stage of the process.

Cromas elevates the portfolio and reinforces the positioning of Los Vascos as a major forward-looking player in Chile.

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES

The vast size of Los Vascos allows for selection of the most appropriated terroir for each varietal. The best Syrahs in the world are grown on granitic soils and the Los Vascos hillsides are made of granite.

The first plantations for a super premium Syrah were done in 2005 on the hills of ‘El Mirador.’ As of that first vintage, the potential realized was even higher than anticipated and the plantings in this area were extended beginning in 2009, until reaching the 131 acres dedicated to this varietal today. Over the years, the results yield more and more of the unique expression of the terroir, with the various sites offering different facets that complement each other to render a rich complexity.

The drier-than-usual start to the season required early irrigation and meticulous monitoring of the vineyard. The major challenge for the 2019 vintage was essentially the extremely high temperature variables at the end of January and beginning of February (reaching 105°F). Fortunately, the much cooler nights, with a record low of 50°F, allowed high-quality grapes to be obtained with excellent ripeness and balance.

WINEMAKING & AGEING

Gentle fermentation with minimal intervention in order to retain the delicate expression of the terroir. The wine is made in temperature-controlled (77-80°F) stainless steel tanks before being aged 12 months in French oak barrels.