Winemaker Notes
Attractive ruby-red color. Fragrant nose of red berries (raspberry and fresh strawberry), with the herbaceous and floral aromas characteristic of this varietal. Notes of orange peel and graphite complete the aromatic complexity. On the palate, the wine offers a soft opening, marked by intense, refreshing acidity. Strong but pleasant tannins lead to a persistent finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Ripe but fresh aromas of currants, quince, stones, paprika and dusty spices on the nose. Medium body on the palate with fine-grained tannins and a firm and linear finish. Expressive and juicy.
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Vinous
The 2022 Cabernet Franc Gran Reserva Cromas is sourced from Peralillo in the Colchagua Valley. Aged 50% in barrel, 40% in concrete and 10% in foudre, this garnet-hued wine reveals aromas of black fruit with hints of plum, ash and chutney-like layers. Rich and fairly concentrated on the palate, its juicy flow and fine-grained tannins lead to a smooth and compact finish.
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Wine Spectator
Offers a lot to admire on the nose, with gravel, chicory, licorice and chili pepper details, while the palate is rather compact but offers good richness. Delivers dark chocolate–laced raspberry flavors at the core and firm, mineral-tinged tannins, but also sneaky length. Time in the cellar should help this unwind. Best from 2025 through 2035.
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Wine Enthusiast
A nose of earthy aromas introduces a palate of concentrated black fruit flavors. A smart use of oak barrels resulted in this wine showcasing ripe plum and herbal notes backed by enough acidity and supporting tannins to make it enjoyable through the finish.
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 estates took them to South America in 1988, becoming the first French viticultural investment in modern Chile. Since then, a comprehensive modernization and investment program has been undertaken, oriented towards the production of fine wine using and adapting the viticultural experiences of Bordeaux and other areas where Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) is present.
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 to lands uncontaminated by airborne or water-borne pollutants. Daily on-shore winds provide temperature changes between 68-77°F, for optimum maturation of the grapes. With 1581 acres, it is one of the largest vineyards in the central Colchagua valley, at the foot of Mount Cañeten.
Between 1989 and 1995 Winemaker Marcelo Gallardo studied at Universidad Austral de Chile graduating with a degree in Agronomy engineering. Marcelo continued his education studying and graduating from Universidad de Chile between 1998 and 1999 with a degree in Enology and Viticulture in Santiago. In 1999, Marcelo worked as an assistant winemaker at Viña Santa Rita in the Maipo Valley, and interned at Bodega Sandeman, Oporto-Duero in Portugal. After Portugal he performed a harvest at Domain Jandeau in Burgundy, France. Working for Viña Los Vascos since 2000, he became the Chief Winemaker and Production Manager in 2006. Marcelo routinely visits the other Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) properties to bring L’Esprit Lafite to Viña Los Vascos. In addition, he collaborates on the latest developments in technology from top Universities and vineyards.
Cabernet Franc, a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, is the subtler and more delicate of the Cabernets. Today Cabernet Franc produces outstanding single varietal wines across the wine-producing world. Somm Secret—One of California's best-kept secrets is the Happy Canyon appellation of Santa Barbara. Here Cabernet Franc shines as a single varietal wine or in blends, expressing sumptuous fruit, savory aromas and polished tannins.
Well-regarded for intense and exceptionally high quality red wines, the Colchagua Valley is situated in the southern part of Chile’s Rapel Valley, with many of the best vineyards lying in the foothills of the Coastal Range.
Heavy French investment and cutting-edge technology in both the vineyard and the winery has been a boon to the local viticultural industry, which already laid claim to ancient vines and a textbook Mediterranean climate.
The warm, dry growing season in the Colchagua Valley favors robust reds made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Malbec and Syrah—in fact, some of Chile’s very best are made here. A small amount of good white wine is produced from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.