Philippe Littot, the winemaker for Southwest Wines crafted the D.H. Lescombes 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon with a relatively new technique called micro-oxygenation, or MOX. MOX is one of two techniques that deliberately introduce oxygen to the must, which is the unfermented or partially fermented grape juice, or grape juice and skins in the case of red wine grapes. Normally sulphur dioxide (SO2) is introduced into the must to prevent oxidation or premature fermentation.
One of the techniques that introduce oxygen into the must is Hyper-oxidation, which adds oxygen before fermentation to stabilize the wine and make it less susceptible to oxidation. MOX is carried out after the first fermentation. The main effect of MOX is to change the polyphenolic structure of the wine, resulting in a wine that is smoother and softer with better tannic integration. MOX is best carried out on wines high in tannins and anthocyanins.
Maturing wine in wood permits a small amount of oxygen to enter. Applying MOX also aids in maturing the wine by injecting a measured amount of oxygen through a device that creates extremely small bubbles of O2; a higher rate during the structuring phase and less during the harmonization phase. It has been known for some time that oxygen plays a role in maturing wine; MOX permits it to occur at a controlled rate, improving the quality of the wine.
For the D. H Lescombes Cab, Philippe also added oak chips of various toasting levels for added complexity. Traditionally, oak barrels (Fr. Barriques) are produced at different toasting levels depending on the type and intensity of flavors the winemaker wants to add to the maturing wine. Oak chips are produced to match these toasting levels and added in whatever quantity best suites the flavor profile to be achieved.
What did the wine judges think of the finished wine? The 2007 D.H. Lescombes Cabernet Sauvignon won a double gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. After walking off with the Red Sweepstake Award for the 2007 D.H. Lescombes Cabernet Franc at last year’s competition, the judges must be shaking their heads in disbelief, muttering to themselves, “A New Mexico wine?” The word is getting out.
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