Errazuriz: Aconcagua Valley, Casablanca Valley and Curico Valley, Chile

Don Maximiano

Don Maximiano, Aconcagua Valley

Introduced with the 1989 vintage, Don Maximiano was among the first of the new generation of “Super-Chileans”. The Don Maximiano Estate is located in the Aconcagua Valley, a semi-desert region where the hot summer days are cooled by afternoon breezes. The vineyard has sandy soils on a northeast-facing 5º slope, which rises gently to 20º in the upper blocks. One sector of the vineyard is planted on a 45º slope –the steepest plantings in Chile. The high diurnal temperature difference of the Don Maximiano Estate slows ripening and helps create intensity of flavors and concentration.

2005 is perhaps the greatest recent vintage in the Aconcagua Valley, with moderate maximum temperatures and no significant rainfall. The grapes were carefully selected by hand, then sorted, and after fermentation all lots were aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak. Fining occurred naturally as the wine settled during this time, and the final blend also included 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Shiraz.

Intense and deep red in color, Don Maximiano 2005 stands out for its ripe character of cherry fruit that blends with light notes of blackcurrant, truffle, and clove. Aromas of cigar box and black pepper contribute to a lightly spicy side, thereby raising its aromatic complexity. On the palate the wine is big and muscular with mouthfilling tannins that reflect the predominance of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The remaining varieties lend complexity, with Petit Verdot for freshness and nerve, Cabernet Franc for tannins and its spicy aromatic profile, and Shiraz for its sweet, ripe black fruit.
French oak barrel ageing lends flavours of caramel, chocolate, and cloves that linger nicely on the long finish.

2005 Vintage Reviews:
“Rock-solid, with loam, black currant, fig and coffee notes pushed by muscular but ripe tannins. The long finish shows density of fruit and structure in a creamy texture, with alluring hints of black tea. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah.” 91 Wine Spectator, May 2008

2004 Vintage Reviews:
“It is already quite seamless and ready to drink. It has enough stuffing to provide pleasure through 2020.” 91 Wine Advocate, June 2007

“A solid, muscular style, with mocha, cedar, currant and loam flavors supported by plenty of tannins. Nice length and acidity should allow this to stretch out in the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.” 90 Wine Spectator, May 2007

2003 Vintage Reviews:
“The 2003 Founder’s Reserve is a purple-colored wine with a bouquet of smoke, mocha, cedar, black currants, and a hint of chocolate. The wine is quite extracted, with excellent depth of fruit, light tannins, and excellent length. Give it 2-3 years in the bottle and drink it through 2025.” 92 Wine Advocate, June 2007

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