In the mid-nineteenth century, two of the leading Chilean wine producers brought vines from Bordeaux to improve the quality of the original vineyard of Vina Los Vascos. Chile's natural geographic frontiers protected it from the Phyloxera epidemic of the late nineteenth century and resulted in an unbroken line of wine stock that now produces some of the finest wines in all of Chile. The acquisition of 50% of Los Vascos by Rothschild (Lafite) in 1988 was the result of an exhaustive search of more than one hundred Chilean wines for one that could meet their criteria for excellence. Christian Le Sommer, ex-technical director for Château Latour 1st Growth in Pauillac, is now in charge of the technical management of Los Vascos.

Rating

Wine Spectator 85 points (Nov 30 2003) Supple, with earth, cedar and red currant flavors and a loamy coffee edge on the finish. Moderate in scope, but nicely balanced. Drink now through 2004. 92,000 cases made. (JM)