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Red wine | Aconcagua Valley, Chile
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The 2014 Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve is a true masterpiece from Viña Errázuriz, representing the pinnacle of Chilean viticulture. Named after the winery’s founder, Don Maximiano Errázuriz, this iconic blend is crafted in the heart of the Aconcagua Valley, a region celebrated for its unique volcanic, colluvial soils and a climate that balances intense sun with cooling influences from the Andes and the Pacific Ocean.
This vintage marked a significant stylistic evolution for the estate, showcasing a shift toward greater freshness, precision, and elegance. Composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented by Carmenère, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, the wine spent 20 months maturing in French oak barrels. The result is a profoundly complex and well-structured red wine that mirrors the excellence of great Bordeaux-style blends while retaining a distinctively Chilean soul.
On the nose, it offers a sophisticated bouquet of black currant, blackberry, and dark chocolate, accented by subtle notes of cedar and spices. The palate is medium-bodied and velvety, with fine-grained tannins that provide a firm framework for the vibrant fruit intensity. It concludes with a signature, almost salty finish that lingers gracefully.
This wine is an exceptional companion for fine dining. Its structure and depth make it a perfect match for hearty, savory dishes such as braised beef, grilled lamb, or venison. It also pairs beautifully with gourmet cuisine that incorporates earthy elements like mushrooms or truffles, which highlight its complex secondary notes. Whether enjoyed now after an hour of breathing time or cellared to witness its further evolution, the 2014 Don Maximiano is a collector’s piece that captures the visionary spirit of six generations of winemaking at Errázuriz.