Don Maximiano Founders Reserve 2021 6x75cl [in bond ex vat]

63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Malbec, 8% Carmenere, 7% Petite Verdot

6x75cl * 13.5% ABV * D.O. Acongagua Valley, Chile

Don Maximiano Founders Reserve is arguably the most important wine in Chile's history. It's named in honour of Don Maximiano Errazuriz who founded Vina Errazuriz in 1870. During Chile's political upheaval in the mid-20th century, the company managed to hold onto the prize vineyards in the Acongagua Valley, planted as they were with some of the oldest French varietals in the region.

Only grapes from the esteemed Max I, Max II and Max V vineyards go into this Cabernet Sauvignon-heavy blend, while the blend of Bordeaux varietals (Malbec, Carmenere and Petit Verdot) creates a wine that is of Bordeaux-roots, but with distinctly Chilean DNA. 

Rupert and Fliss were invited to join Vina Errazuriz in the launch of the 2021 Don Maximiano, the latest vintage of this flagship wine. Unsurprisingly, it demonstrated outstanding value and ticked every box in terms of quality fine wine. The moderately cool harvest season saw a long, slow ripening of the fruit. The wine has also seen 22 months in French Oak, 70% of which is new.

In the glass, it is fresh and elegant, with intense colour and complex aromas of violets and cassis. There is a juicy acidity to the palate, alongside silky ripe tannins, with notes of blackcurrant and a red bell-pepper savouriness. Excellent served slightly chilled with a classic South American meal; rare steak, grilled chicken and spicy peppers (as enjoyed by Rupert and Fliss). Equally delicious with a winter roast beef. 

Winemaker's tasting notes: 'Intense purple in colour with a violet hue, Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve 2021 vintage captivates with aromas of blueberries, fresh strawberry, and blackberries framed by soft notes of nutmeg, caramel and vanilla. The palate recalls ripe blueberries, bitter chocolate, black cherries and delicate hints of tobacco, rosemary and some liquorice. With a wide and deep entrance, its polished tannins provide finesse and excellent persistence.' - Tomas Munoz

97pts - Stuart Pigott, James Suckling (Feb 2024): 'The stunning nose of red fruit and violets with a glaze of fine vanilla oak and great finesse pulls you into this concentrated Bordeaux blend with very fine tannins on the medium- to full-bodied palate. But as wonderful as the interplay of fruit and tannin is on the front palate, this opens up like a peacock's tail at the extremely long and brilliant finish. Each time you go back, the delicate spice becomes more apparent... So delicious already! Drink or hold.' 

Please note that prices are in-bond and exclude Duty and VAT, which are payable when the wines land.