Errazuriz - Chile Gets Serious

Chile has been a run-away success for as long as I can remember on the Irish market, providing wines that are easy on the palate and more importantly, on the pocket. Way back when, at the very beginning of my wine awakening Chile was my go to region in search of a decent Cabernet. Then when I got adventurous I tried a Carmenere. This beautiful grape is fickle, it needs care and a decent wine maker to ensure the spice and fruit are in harmony to get the desired result, a Merlot with character. At this point I decided that Chile perhaps had more to offer the world than entry level 'international varietals'.

Recently the Empty Glass Team had the pleasure of meeting Jonathan Stevens, regional director for the Errazuriz winery and the question of 'where does Chile go next came up' came up. We all agreed that if the consumer is willing to spend a little extra they will be suprised at the quality that Chile has to offer. I'll let the wines tasted do the talking. 

Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard 2010 

This wine heralds from Aconcagua Costa a region that is unique to Errazuriz. The region has a similar heat summation to Marlborough, with a cooling influence from the ocean, combining to produce a stunning Sauvignon. On the nose it was intense gooseberry, lemon rind, a hint of minerality and definite herbaceous quality to it, the latter nowhere near as pungent as the NZ style. So On the palate it was intense white peach, minerality and a long and refreshing citrus finish. As a Sancerre fan myself I was impressed with the restraint shown, but there was also a good weight of primary fruit to offer something a little different to all Sauvignon drinkers out there. So, a serious Sauvignon from Chile ... There ya have it.

Score: 88 (B+)

Cabernet Sauvignon Max Reserva 2008 

Of late I have been very irate, There has been a severe lack of Cabernet, that one could afford every day ... I have to get some use out of an English Degree and also the be the first blog to rhyme. Anyways, you get the idea. Decent Cabernets at a sensible price are few and far between, but every so often an exceptional one makes itself hear above the cacophony of banal Bordeaux wannabes (I include most entry level Bordeaux in this category), this is one of those exceptional wines. 

On the nose there was intense cassis, blueberry (sorry Rob) , thyme, eucalyptus, cinnamon and a hint of cedar. On the palate there was intense fresh balckberry, a hint of eucalyptus with cinnamon and cracked pepper on the finish. Very well balanced with a persistent finish and medium-high fine tannin. Definitely a serious Bordeaux style, but from Chile and a fraction of the cost.

Score: 90 (A)

Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve 2008

Just when I thought it couldn't get any more serious. This wine was a monster. Dedicated to the founder of the Vineyard this wine shows just what a careful handling of the grapes and good terroir can do. The wine is A bordeaux blend based on Cabernet, normally just over 80% depending on the vintage. This particular vintage has some Carmenere, Petit Verdot and a dash of Syrah to mix it up a little. 

On the nose, fresh blackberry, raspberry, violets, tobacco, eucalyptus, cedar box, chocolate, cinnamon, and cracked pepper. The palate was awash with primary fruit, initially cassis, then raspberry and cherry on the mid-palate all wrapped in delicious mocha and a long finish of subtle spices. The wine was superbly balanced with huge tannin and good acidity. This one is a keeper and is too young to be showing it's true colours just yet. I suggest lying this bad boy down for another 2-3 years at the very least, but it will continue to develop long after that.

Score: 91 (A)

Comments 

All of these wines had the elegance and sophistication normally reserved for Sancerres and Haut Médocs, but at a much more affordable price. Even the Reserva level will age very well. This is definitely a vineyard to keep an eye on as Chile continues to get serious. 

Have a quick fire round of questions with Jonathan Stevens below