Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve 2020

“The 2020 Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve is a red blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, 9% Carménere, and 4% Petit Verdot trom the Aconcagua Valley. It was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, 60% of them new. Dark garnet red in hue. The complex, ripe nose presents blackcurrant and blueberry notes with hints of bay leaf, geranium and ash. Indulgent in the mouth, the firm, grippy tannins gently channel the flow. Intense and flavorful, the wine ends with notes of sun-kissed fruit. Drinking window: 2023-2036. 92 points

Viña Errázuriz is a significant early player in the Chilean wine export business. Founded in the mid-19th century, since the 1980s, they have been run by the businessman Eduardo Chadwick. Convinced of the potential of Chilean terroirs, Chadwick set up several viticultural projects, beginning with Errázuriz. The winery specializes in the terroir of Aconcagua, where they grow grapes from the coast to the Andes. Overseen by enologist Francisco Baettig since 2005, the house has recently released several landmark wines: Pizarras Chardonnay and Pinot Noir set the benchmark for the varieties in Chile. Since 2005, they have bottled Kai, a majority Carménère. Their classic wines also include Don Maximiano, of which vintages are available dating back to the 1980s.”

Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous (06/23)