Errázuriz Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve 2018
Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve is Viña Errázuriz’s flagship wine, named in honour of Don Maximiano Errázuriz, who created the winery in 1870. A Bordeaux inspired red wine, the Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve represents the family's heritage, tradition and constant quest to craft the finest and most elegant Cabernet Sauvignon based blend, while at the same time showcasing the exceptional terroir of Chile's Aconcagua Valley. Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Carménère and Petit Verdot grapes grown on the Don Maximiano vineyard located in the Aconcagua Valley. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère vines were planted in 1978 and 1993, respectively, while the Petit Verdot was planted in 1999. The three vineyards that contribute grapes for Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve are planted on north or northeast facing hillsides with 5°–25° of slope. Precision farming allows the winemaking team to identify homogenous sectors within each vineyard and harvest these individually according to the progress of the berries in each lot. The grapes were all hand-picked and the must was fermented in small stainless steel vats followed by maturation in French oak barrels (65% new) for 22 months. Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve was crafted aiming to preserve freshness and capturing the distinct fruit flavours and textures of this sensational vintage. The resulting wine is fresh, layered with distinctive minerality and nuance. The refined tannins support a delicious texture and, prolonged by a lingering finish, provide great pleasure.