2002 Le Dix de Los Vascos

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Domaines Barons de Rothschild’s making wine in northern Chile, the longtime owners of Chateau Lafite in Bordeaux created a wine called Le Dix de Los Vascos. The grapes -- all Cabernet Sauvignon -- come from 50-year-old vines on the property. The result is a stunning Cabernet that has the elegance and refinement of a top Bordeaux married with the terroir of Chile.

It’s expensive for a Chilean wine, but a terrific bargain against Bordeaux’s vertiginous prices. Deep ruby in color, it tastes of black cherries, a little tobacco and something leafy. Tannins are round and ripe. One sip, and you’ll go back for another. And another. The Lafite touch is quite evident in this wine.

Pour it with a simple roast beef, prime rib or a good steak. Of course, it would be beautiful with any red meat, and with an aged cheese.

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Quick swirl

Region: Colchagua, Chile

Price: About $34

Style: Rich and full

Food it goes with: Roast beef, prime rib, steak

Where you find it: Fine wine retailers including Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, (949) 650-8463; Manhattan Fine Wines in Manhattan Beach, (310) 374-3454; Southern Hemisphere Wine Center in Huntington Beach, (800) 504-9463; the Vintage Shoppe in Playa del Rey, (310) 822-1138; Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454 and (800) 76-WINEX, and more.

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-- S. Irene Virbila