Los Vascos 2019 Cromas, Carmenere Gran Reserva, Colchagua

Domaines Barons de Rothschild, owners of First Growth Cahteau Lafite Rothschild, took over the Los Vascos estate in 1988, 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. At an average of 410 feet above sea level and at just 24 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the microclimate of Los Vascos has everything to produce fine wines. This wine is 100% Carmenere, the signature grape of Chile. The wine aged 12 months in 20% new French oak barrels.

James Suckling scored this 93 points saying "Dark berries with sweet-tobacco and flower-stem undertones. Full-bodied with a tight, juicy and rather tannic palate. Flavorful finish. Just a hint of chocolate and cedar at the end. A more muscular style of carmenere. Better in a year or two, but already excellent."

Vinous scored this 91 points saying "The 2019 Carménère Cromas Gran Reserva is the first vintage for this wine from Peralillo, Colchagua, which was 50% aged in French barrels. Intense purple in the glass. The wood floats over blackberry and raspberry aromas accompanied by roasted red pepper and fruit jam. Ample and creamy on the palate, it delivers a satisfying, flavorful flow with a big, sugary but not overly sweet finish. Drinking window: 2021 - 2027"

Wine Spectator scored this 90 points saying "Vibrant acidity backs the concentrated dark fruit and Asian spice flavors in this red, with plenty of dark chocolate accents, followed by dried mint and forest floor notes on the finish." Ratings: 93 Pts., James Suckling, 91 Pts., Vinous, 90 Pts., Wine Spectator