Don Maximiano Founders Reserve 2008 3x1.5L [in bond ex vat]

84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Carmenere, 5% Syrah, 3% Petite Verdot

3x1.5L * 14.5% 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 (Carmenere and Petit Verdot) creates a wine that is of Bordeaux-roots, but with distinctly Chilean DNA. 

The 2008 vintage has deliciously ripe tannins from a long, hot summer, followed by 20 months aging in new French Oak. Balsamic on the nose, followed by red and black fruits with a hint of cedar on the palate. The finish is long, with a nice spice from the Syrah. Pair with meat and mushroom dishes. 

87pts - Neal Martin, Vinous: 'The 2008 Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve is blended with Syrah and Carmenere and sees 20 months in new French Oak. It has a well-defined bouquet with dark cherries, sous-bois, tobacco and blackberry leaf that shows much more fruit intensity than older vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent blackberry fruit, cedar, graphite and Provencal herbs.' 

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