Errázuriz Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve 2017

A warmer year in Aconcagua resulted in a lusher, more succulent character in this Don Max, although that direction had already been defined over the last three vintages at least, and there’s no sign of stopping. This wine continues to have less oak influence and continues to opt for more fresh fruit than over-ripeness. The year may have an influence in that it doesn’t have the nerve it did in 2016, but it’s still a delicious and fruity red. This blend is based on the vineyards in Panquehue, on the Max 5 Vineyard, and is 67% cabernet sauvignon, 12% malbec, 8% carménère, 7% petit verdot, and the rest is cabernet franc. Score – 96. (Patricio Tapia, guiadescorchados.cl, 2020)