2006 Don Maximiano Reserve

The 2006 Founder's Reserve Don Maximiano is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Syrah. It spent 18 months in mostly new French oak. Aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, Asian spices, incense, and blackcurrant are reminiscent of a classified growth Pauillac. Medium- to full-bodied in the mouth, the wine has a plush texture, plenty of ripe tannin, layers of spicy fruit, and outstanding concentration. This impeccably balanced wine will benefit from 5-7 years of additional cellaring and have a prime drinking window extending from 2015 to 2031. Errazuriz has been making impressive strides under the inspired leadership of the soft-spoken Eduardo Chadwick. He has gathered a superb team of viticultural and winemaking talent for Errazuriz as well as his luxury wines, Sena and Vinedo Chadwick. Importer: Vintus Wines,

Tasted blind. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Franc and Merlot Subtle colour. Very focussed. Very deep colour – Don Max? Almost porty. But with some green too. Massive rather than subtle. Very awkward greenness on the finish. Chilean. (JR)

(82% cabernet sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc and 5% each of petit verdot and shiraz) Vivid ruby. Explosively perfumed aromas of red and blackcurrant, dark cherry, incense and rose. Pliant, deeply concentrated cassis and black raspberry flavors are firmed by silky tannins and pick up candied licorice and floral pastille qualities with air. Alluringly seamless, with excellent finishing clarity and persistence. As attractive as this is now, I'd give it another four or five years in the cellar.