Several months have passed since my meeting with winemaker Francisco Baettig but our tasting is far from a distant memory; the wines and the man made quite an impression. Chief Winemaker at Viña Errázuriz since 2003, Francisco has earned many impressive accolades; including Winemaker of the Year and a perfect 100-point score for Viñedo Chadwick 2014. Francisco has certainly earned the right to be a bit boastful but he's endearingly humble and would rather discuss the finer points of vineyard management, soil types, and barrels. Francisco's laser-sharp focus on making high quality wine can be tasted in the bottle.
Francisco has played an integral role in elevating the quality and reputation of Chilean wines and he wants the world "to see Chile not only as entry level wines but more interesting and terroir driven." From fresh to complex, Francisco crafts a diverse array of wines for Errázuriz but balance and a sense of place are common threads. If you're looking to sip some sensational Chilean wines; consider my three picks from Errázuriz.
Errazuriz Max Chardonnay Reserva 2017 ($20) is all about freshness and crisp fruit. 100% Chardonnay, juicy fruit is accented by hints of spice - the result of 10 months of barrel aging in French oak. Charming and a bit creamy with flavors of crisp golden apple and a tangy tinge of lemon custard.
Simplicity is the beauty of Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Pinot Noir 2017 ($20). Fresh cherry and strawberry flavors really shine in this juicy red. Hints of earth and tea leaves add depth and dimension. A real charmer! (I tasted the 2017 but the 2018 vintage is now available.)
Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve 2016 ($115) isn't just a fine Chilean wine, it's an impressive wine, period. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Malbec, and Petit Verdot; the first vintage of Don Maximiano was introduced with the 1983 vintage and was one of the first "Super-Chileans." The estate's flagship wine, the 2016 vintage of Don Maximiano was aged 22 months in French oak. Francisco said, "the style of the house is not too much oak" and it's true -- the use of oak is very judicious and doesn't overwhelm the wine. This elegant red is fresh and vibrant with impeccable structure and intense flavors of red cherry, pomegranate, violet, blackberry, and blueberry. Delicious now, this wine has what it takes to age beautifully.
Don Maximiano Icon Winery
image courtesy of Viña Errázuriz
If you're planning a visit to Chile, Errázuriz welcomes visitors for tours and tastings at their estate in Aconcagua.
