Errazuriz Max Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2018
 

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92 pts Tim Atkin / 92 pts James Suckling / 90-91 pts Wine Advocate

Cabernet Sauvignon is still king. It’s the world’s most widely planted grape variety by far with over 850,000 acres worldwide. And for many of us it’s still our go-to red wine for all occasions, whether you need something for the table or just something enjoyable to drink by itself a good Cabernet Sauvignon still fits the bill. Yet with so much produced and with so many examples available it’s very rare that we taste an exciting Cabernet Sauvignon at an everyday (sub $15) price point. We’ve been searching and tasting and now we have one!

I popped a bottle of this with the gang last week to get their thoughts, didn’t tell them it was Cabernet or even where it came from... “delicious red berries…” “so smooth…” “can I take this home later?”

Don Maximano Errazuriz founded the Vina Errazuriz winery in 1870, when he planted Bordeaux varieties in the Aconcagua Valley of Chile. And before you say “I don’t like Chilean Cab” take a minute and taste some more. With over 400 years winemaking history (the conquistadors were the first to plant vinifera grapes for wine here in the 16th century) and some of the oldest vines in the world at their disposal, Chile, and undoubtedly Vina Errazuriz, is producing some pretty exceptional wines today. The fruit for this wine comes from the Aconcagua Valley’s interior, where a combination of volcanic and silt soils and high-elevations produce small clusters of berries. The Max is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, with Petit Verdot for added weight and complexity, and Cabernet Franc for extra aromatic lift. Fermented in stainless steel tanks then aged in 30% new French oak barrels before bottling this is impressive. Aromas of red cherry, blackcurrant, plum, anise and dark chocolate waft from the glass. A soft textural mouthfeel follows, its juicy and abundant with fruit, more plum and dark cherry flavors spill across your tongue. There’s great balance, fine tannins, and sneaky building complexity through a finish that’s dry and savory. Simply put you just don’t get Cabernet this good for under $15 a bottle from North America, trust me, I’ve tasted literally hundreds of examples.

“Attractive red cherries and red plums on offer here with a gently leafy edge, too. The palate has assertively juicy redcurrant flavors and a fresh, crunchy finish. Special 150th anniversary edition. Drink or hold.” – JS

“The mild 2018 started with good water supply in Aconcagua, and the grapes used for the 2018 Max Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon from the inland part of the valley were balanced and healthy. The grapes fermented in stainless steel, and the wine matured for 12 months in French oak barrels, 30% of them new. This variety sees a longer élevage than others, so I caught the wine still unbottled. It's classical and balanced, with clean aromas and a tender mouthfeel with fine-grained tannins.’


Or reply. The wine is available now in Chapel Hill. Friday, as ordered, in Hillsborough.