TN : Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve 2006, Vina Errazuriz, Aconcagua Valley, Chile

This wine is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, and 5% Shiraz. The Cabernet Sauvignon selected for this vintage was sourced from the Max I, II and V vineyards of the Don Maximiano Estate, which were planted in 1978 (Max I) and 1993 (Max II and V). The Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Petit Verdot come from Max I.

The vineyards are planted on 5° to 25° slopes that face north and northeast. The soils of the Max I vineyard consist of a thin layer of pulverized granite, while those of Max II are of colluvial origin with 30 to 40% stone compound. These soil profiles ensure excellent drainage and a low-to-medium vigour potential for the vines, which results in an excellent balance between vegetative growth and crop load. Max V’s deep alluvial soils with 50% stones provide excellent drainage and produces well-balanced vines of moderate vigour.

The vines are trellised to vertical shoot position and are spur or cane pruned depending on the variety and the terroir. Aerial photography allows Errazuriz to divide the vineyard by vigour and harvest in accordance with the progress of maturation in each specific lot.

The pH of this wine is 3.49, the total acidity is 6.08 grammes per litre (tartaric acid), and the residual sugar is 2.48 grammes per litre.

The grapes were carefully selected on a sorting table, where all plant matter, such as leaves and stems were removed to ensure the fruit character in the wine. The grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks at 24° to 30ºC, depending on the desired level of extraction and seasonal conditions, such as microbiological load and potential alcohol. During fermentation, three pumpovers were carried out daily at 0.5 to 1.5 times vat volume, according to the desired extraction level. Maceration lasted 17 to 32 days at 20ºC to 26ºC, depending on the development of each lot in order to extract maximum flavour and colour. All of the lots were aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (94% new), and fining occurred naturally as the wine settled during this time.

This wine was imported by Philipson Söderberg AB.

Colour : Dark blackcurrant

Aroma : Blackcurrant, olive, spice, blackberry, green peppers

Taste : Blackcurrant, Blueberry, Blackberry, minerals, soft tannins, sandalwood, green pepper and black pepper on very long finish

Alcohol : 14.5%

Price : 499 SEK

Mark : A-

Website : Don Maximiano