Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve

Wine information: Errazuriz Estate was founded in 1870 when Don Maximiano Errazuriz planted his first vineyards at Panquehue in the Aconcagua Valley - 100km North of the capital. Today, the tradition of quality lives on with Don Maximiano's descendant Eduardo Chadwick. Eduardo is the fifth generation of his family to be involved in the wine business. Errazuriz's philosophy is best expressed by Don Maximiano who said, "From the best land, the best wine." Viña Errazuriz believe in the concept of 'terroir' and strive to produce the finest wines by controlling every stage of the winemaking process, from grape growing in the Aconcagua, Casablanca and Curico valleys, to winemaking with the most natural techniques. The Don Maximiano Vineyard is located in the Aconcagua Valley, a region that features an extended dry season with moderately warm summer days cooled by soft afternoon breezes from the Pacific Ocean. The Cabernet Sauvignon selected for this vintage was sourced from the Max I, II and V vineyards of the Don Maximiano Estate, which were planted in 1978 (Max I) and 1993 (Max II and V). The Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Petit Verdot come from Max I. Grapes are carefully selected on a sorting table, where all plant matter, such as leaves and stems were removed to ensure the fruit character in the wine. The grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks. All of the lots were aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (94% new), and fining occurred naturally as the wine settled during this time. To best express the terroir of the Aconcagua Valley and of the Don Max vineyards, small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Petit Verdot were added to the final blend to maximize complexity and quality - the 2006 blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Shiraz.

Tasting Notes: Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve has an intense ruby red in colour and boasts a distinctive nose with aromas of cassis, truffles, black fruits, such as blueberry, along with delicate balsamic notes, black pepper, green olives, and a light touch of chocolate that lends great complexity. Blackcurrant and blackberry come through on the palate along with a touch of toast. Firm tannins integrate well with the oak, and pleasing acidity lends freshness and elegance. This is a well-structured wine with a long finish that will continue to soften and gain complexity in the bottle.

Reviews: “The 2006 Founder’s Reserve Don Maximiano is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Syrah. It spent 18 months in mostly new French oak. Aromas of pain grillé, pencil lead, Asian spices, incense, and blackcurrant are reminiscent of a classifed growth Pauillac. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, the wine has a plush texture, plenty of ripe tannin, layers of spicy fruit, and outstanding concentration. This impeccably balanced wine will benefit from 5-7 years of additional cellaring and have a prime drinking window extending from 2015 to 2031”. 94 Points, www.erobertparker.com.

 
     

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