Did you miss me? I got Omicroned last week, and thanks to some wonderful drugs and a boring week of abstaining from alcohol and cigars, I am back. I’m not sure if my taste buds have changed, but I crave a clean, crisp, cold Chardonnay. And preferably at a good value so that I can continue on my decadent ways and drink lots of it. Oh, look what we have here, a highly rated Chilean Chardonnay from the house of Lafite-Rothschild for $4 a bottle. Let the good times roll.

I find it strange that Chile wines fall under the New World Wines classification. The tag is partly due because it comes from the newly discovered properties from across the pond founded by the mother countries, France, Spain, and the rest of Europe. Although these New World properties were not so new to the indigenous people and had thriving economies, advanced social networks, and history, it did not matter. These lands were new to the European royalty that sponsored the explorations. Spain sent conquistadores to Chile in the 16^th century, and their goal was to claim land and resources for their investors and conquer natives of other lands for treasure and glory. Because there were no indigenous wine grapes in Chile, these sanctioned pirates of Spain brought wine vines with them so they could drink while they plundered. They found that wine grapes grew very well here in the new land, and a thriving wine industry began in Chile well before the US, Australia, or New Zealand. Later, in the 1800s, French producers arrived, bringing Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Cot (Malbec), Merlot, Petit Verdot, Carmenere, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer. To summarize, a flourishing wine-producing area in what is now Chile began in the 16^th century. Not so new.

One of the country’s historic wine producers is the Echenique family, who emigrated from the Basque country to Chile and began growing wine around 1750 in Colchagua Province. Vines imported from France were first planted in the Cañeten valley in 1850, and wine exports to Europe began in 1877. The resulting wines, called “Cañetenes,” were considered the best wines from Chile.

In 1988, following exhaustive research, Domaines Barons de Rothschild-Lafite acquired the winery, which lies 130 meters above sea level and just 40 kilometers from the Pacific, and renamed it “Los Vascos,” meaning “Basques,” in honor of its Basque founders, the Echenique family. The estate covered 2,200 hectares, 220 of which were planted with vines. Los Vascos enjoys long exposure to the sun, adequate water sources, semi-arid soils, and minimal risk of frost. Forty kilometers east of the Pacific Ocean, cool breezes contribute to a unique microclimate at Viña Los Vascos. There are significant advantages to the Cañeten Valley. It is located in the high foothills of coastal mountains, above the altitude where pests and diseases can live. The altitude begets diurnal shift—plenty of sun and heat during the day, much cooler temperatures at night, a classic formula for quality,balanced wine. In addition, the mountains shield the vineyards from air and water pollution. Today with 1581 acres, it is one of the largest vineyards in the central Colchagua valley, at the foot of Mount Cañeten.

Los Vascos is made up of a large diversity of soils. The heart of the estate, on the valley floor, consists of sand and clay alluvions left by the erosion of neighboring granitic hills, as well as Tosca, a very hard soil made from volcanic ashes that have been transported by rivers into the plains and compacted over time. Grapes are mainly sourced from the coolest parts of Los Vascos in Colchagua Valley.

Grapes are harvested before daylight in order to maintain maximum freshness. Upon arrival at the winery, they are pressed and fermented at low temperature in stainless steel tanks to preserve their aromatic potential.

The wine is partly aged on its lees, which confers its unique mouthfeel.

Intense yellow color. The fruit-scented nose of ripe pineapple, banana, honeydew melon with lime with fresh hazelnut notes. The wine is very well-balanced with a creamy and persistent mouthfeel.

The 2021 Chardonnay from Peralillo, Colchagua, is from a vineyard planted in 1998... The nose offers creamed corn and pea. Similarly creamy in the mouth, with a fruity expression, a smooth feel, and mild flavor. Vinous 90 pts

Peach, apricot, melon and lemon curd on the nose. Medium-bodied, fruity and creamy. Straightforward, with a clean, fresh and juicy finish. Drink now. James Suckling 90 pts

Los Vascos Chardonnay 2021

We tasted this wine, and although we sell quite a bit of this wine, we haven’t tried it in a long time. Most of Los Vasco’s sales are in their value Cabernet, and we realized that we were missing the boat in not drinking this wine on a regular basis. Aromas of apple and peach with some light citrus, medium weight in the mouth, a sense of creaminess with a clean, vibrant finish. Balanced acids with the fruit make this a delightful glass of wine. The is no earthly reason a wine this good can cost this little. You want this wine, and you need this wine—load up.

Regular Price: $8.99

*Sale price is on 12 or more bottles

$36 Mail In Rebate offer on 12 bottle purchase Final cost $4.00

Wine is packed in a 12-bottle case

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Cheers!

John Hannum,

Fine & Rare Wine Specialist