There is no doubting Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve is on a roll - Matthew Luczy from the Wine Advocate notes in his recent review that he was ‘impressed by the new release from Errázuriz’, saying it is in very ‘capable hands’ with Technical Director Emily Faulconer now at the helm and its future trajectory and ‘fresh perspective’ have been cemented. Born from one of South America’s most historic and iconic wineries, with roots dating back to the 1870s, Don Max is, according to critics’ recent findings, leading the charge and fast becoming one of the most recognised, stylish, and contemporary wines in Chile. Amanda Barnes MW – Author of The South America Wine Guide agrees, ‘Don Maximiano remains one of Chile’s great hidden gems, consistently overdelivering in complexity and character at its price point, yet retaining an effortless drinkability’.

This modern icon is turning the heads of sophisticated drinkers worldwide, drawn to its evocative Bordeaux blend and its ability to retain a strong price position of just £32.50 IB per bottle; the family ensuring this outstanding vintage is a compelling offering. 2022 was an exceptional year for Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, reflected in a slight increase in their proportion within the blend. Decanter awards a huge 96 points calling it, ‘A very complete wine, immediately alluring’. With 65% new oak and 18 months in barrel, the refined use of wood has enhanced the wine’s effortless beauty. Both The Wine Advocate and Vinous awarded the 2022 vintage a firm 94 points — one of its highest scores to date. 

"Having tasted the wine last night i can concur - this is a superb wine, that is both delicious now, and has excellent potential for future ageing. Combining ripe juicy berry fruit, with elegant spice and delicate floral aromas. A distinct pepperiness shows on the palate, with espresso, dark chocolate and earth alongside ripe red and black fruits. The style has a nod to Bordeaux, but there is an extra richness mid-palate, it's more powerful than the 2021, with a fleshiness that shows the warmth of the vintage, but the alcohol is relatively low and the wine is fresh and elegant, with soft, silky tannins and a long finish." (ESD)

“A lovely, floral, red-fruited nose that gains woody, graphite notes with further aeration. It is rich and broad on the palate, showcasing more power and tenacity… It finishes with a long, layered, precise conclusion framed by impeccably fine tannins and beautiful delineation.” Wine Advocate 

The Don Maximiano vineyards are located in the Aconcagua Valley, around 100km north of Santiago, and the oldest among them are the Max I, Max II and Max V blocks. The region has a long dry season with moderately warm summer days cooled by the soft evening breezes that enter the valley from the Pacific Ocean. Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere vines were planted in 1978 and 1993, respectively, while the Petit Verdot was planted in 1999. The three vineyard blocks that contribute grapes for Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve are planted on north or northeast facing hillsides with 5°–25° of slope. Soils are volcanic, colluvial and piedmont (Max I and II) or alluvial (Max V) in origin, with good drainage conferring low to moderate vigour. The colluvial and volcanic rocky soils of Max I show high presence of mica with clay-silt texture. Max II has deep colluvial soils of volcanic origin, with loam to sandy-loam texture, and both have 30–40% stone content. Max V has deep gravelly alluvial soils with 50% stone content and excellent drainage.

63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Malbec, 11% Petit Verdot & 9% Carménère

Alcohol: 13.5%

Aged 18 months in 65% new French oak

ETA July 2026