Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve is an elegant, expressive red wine offering lifted aromas of ripe red fruits, including cherries and raspberries. Subtle hints of cocoa and clove sit in the background, complemented by a delicate floral note reminiscent of violets. The palate mirrors the bouquet, revealing layers of cherries, raspberries and cassis, enhanced by sweet cocoa and warming spice. Balanced tension, freshness and juiciness give the wine exceptional vibrancy and finesse.

Vineyards

Sourced from the historic Don Maximiano vineyards in the Aconcagua Valley, the grapes come primarily from the Max I, Max II and Max V blocks. This region benefits from an extended dry season, with warm summer days and cooling breezes drifting in from the Pacific Ocean each evening. Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère were planted in 1978 and 1993, while Petit Verdot followed in 1999.

The vineyard plots selected for Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve lie on north- and north-east-facing slopes with gradients of 5°–25°. Soils vary from volcanic, colluvial and piedmont (Max I and II) to deep gravelly alluvial soils (Max V), all offering excellent drainage and naturally low to moderate vine vigour. Max I’s rocky volcanic soils are rich in mica with a clay-silt texture, while Max II features deeper colluvial soils ranging from loam to sandy-loam with 30–40% stone content. Max V provides exceptionally well-drained alluvial soils with around 50% stones.

Vintage

The vintage was one of the most challenging in recent decades, marked by the driest winter in 50 years. Vines in the Aconcagua Valley faced significant water stress as they progressed through the growing season. Warmer spring temperatures were followed by a noticeably cooler March and April. A moderate crop load and carefully managed summer irrigation helped preserve freshness and ensure fruit of outstanding quality.

Winemaking

Grapes were hand-harvested during the cool early hours and transported in small 15-kg boxes to protect their condition. After rigorous double sorting, fermentation took place in small stainless steel tanks to maximise skin-juice contact. Each lot underwent up to three pump-overs daily, depending on desired extraction, with total maceration lasting between 8 and 30 days.

The wine was matured for 22 months in French oak barrels (65% new), where malolactic fermentation, clarification and stabilisation occurred naturally. To enhance complexity and express the distinctive Aconcagua terroir, carefully selected proportions of Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carménère and Cabernet Franc were blended with the Cabernet Sauvignon base.

Food Pairing

A classic pairing: enjoy with a perfectly cooked steak and chips or a fresh, crisp salad – whichever you prefer.

We strive to provide fast and reliable delivery, with Free Express Delivery on orders over £150 (UK Mainland only).

Express Delivery

Orders placed by 2pm (Monday to Friday) are dispatched the same day.
Orders placed after 2pm Thursday arrive on Monday.
Orders placed after 2pm Friday arrive on Tuesday.
A signature is required, with GPS-confirmed tracking.
Bank Holidays and seasonal holidays are not considered working days by couriers.

Standard Delivery

Economy (2-3 working days) – Orders placed before 2pm (Monday to Friday) are dispatched the same day.

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