Errazuriz - The Summit of Chilean Wine

Errazuriz winery in Chile, was founded in 1870 by Don Maximiano Errazuriz. He planted the first French grape varieties in the Aconcagua Valley after he travelled two days on horseback to find the perfect land for his vines. Today, Errazuriz has over 150 years of vineyard excellence and stands as one of Chile’s most successful wineries.

While Carmenere is the grape that most prominently correlates with Chilean wine, Errazuriz is a winery that is showing the true breadth of what can be produced from the vast terroir of this country that includes other varietals beyond just the country’s signature grape.

Errazuriz is a producer that maintains quality at all levels of wine production. Their entry level wines are great value for consumers and are an example of what amazing QPR can be found from Chile. Climbing up the ladder of their portfolio are higher-end wines that truly show the excellence of the wineries’ capabilities. Their work with Cabernet Sauvignon has been exceptionally impressive. In particular, the mid-range Errazuriz Aconcagua Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, and the top tier Maximiano Founder’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. The vineyard that produced grapes for both wines was founded in 1870 where the very first seeds were planted in the Aconcagua Valley! Although the first is priced at $22.95 CAD, and the other is priced at $95.00 CAD, they both show equal quality and expression. The Alto displays intrinsic finesse, while the Maximiano exudes palate pleasing cohesiveness and concentration.

In fact, I shared both with friends on a wine night with several other high-end wines and the more affordable one seemed to be favoured, not just amongst the two Chilean wines, but the entire lineup of the evening.

Errazuriz Aconcagua Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Blackberry, baked cherry and earth aromas intertwine with traces of graphite and other minerals. Ripe, dark fruit on the palate, black pepper edges. Lifting acidity, and impactful yet balanced tannins carry savoury earth notes on the finish. There’s a freshness here that is comes from a direct correlation between the Chilean terroir and the Andes that influence it.

Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Viña Errázuriz’s flagship wine, is named in honour of founder Don Maximiano Errázuriz. This wine presents generous aromas right away - fresh floral notes accompany stewed blueberry, bay leaf, and subtle clove. Flavours of fresh and ripe blueberry and blackberry rush the palate on full, supple tannins. Unfolding dark chocolate, nutmeg, and sweet tobacco. Juicy, complex, and balanced. Long finish.

Errazuriz La Cumbre Syrah 2017

This high-end wine of Chile is called La Cumbre, which translates to “the summit”. It is the prized Syrah of Errazuriz as it represents their innovative pioneering in being the first to produce Syrah in Chile in 1993.

This wine is comprised of 96% Syrah, and 4% Viognier, and spends 22 months in French oak.
Complex aromas exude from the glass - fresh blackberry, cured meat, milk chocolate, but astounding freshness alongside them. The palate exhibits juicy blackberry and blueberries. The freshness combined with the ripeness of dark fruit is impressive, including terrific acidity elevating the fruit. A warming layer of chocolate, iron and black pepper, and tannin plushness. Nice to see this kind of complexity, quality, and balance in a wine at this price point ($89). It really is stunning and well crafted.

When I was first beginning my wine journey and exploring the world of Chilean wine, I vividly remember tasting an Errazuriz Chardonnay. To me, it was sunshine in a bottle - not necessarily as a ripeness, but in the way you can smell and taste the sun off of fruit freshly picked on a warm summer’s day. I’ve been a big fan of their Chardonnay ever since. Additionally, I recall this bottle and every Errazuriz I’ve tasted since as having extraordinary value.

Sauvignon Blanc is another white grape variety that does particularly well in Chile, and another example that Errazuriz champions.

Errazuriz Estate Sauvignon Blanc Reserva 2021

A fresh, mineral driven Sauvignon Blanc with exceptional balance. Elegant aromas of bay leaf, mango, white flowers, flint, and sea spray. Wet stone and flint overlay grass, pear and lime undertones. Delicate salinity, and structure, with a long sea salt finish.

Errazuriz Aconcagua Alto Carmenere 2020

This wine showcases Chile’s most important varietal at high altitudes of 600 m.a.s.l. in the Aconcagua Valley. Significant sunlight and good diurnal range are key to balanced wines cultivated here.

Inviting aromas of cherry, green and white pepper, clove, and vanilla spice. Medium-bodied, with a smooth mouthfeel and ripe, rounded tannins. Balanced and tempting notes of blackberry, black pepper, leather, and a hint of cocoa lead to a persistent finish.

It’s to no surprise that Errazuriz boasted the award of The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands by Drinks International in 2021. They are certainly one of mine!