Intense cherry red color with ruby highlights. On the nose, it is fruity, reminiscent of raspberry, blueberry and attractive notes of rose petal, plus a balsamic touch that adds complexity. On the palate, it is consistent with its nose where the fruit gives way later to balsamic and spicy notes plus a light toasted note that reminds of its time in the French oak barrels.\n \n Producer Information\n \n Viña Errazuriz is a Chilean wine estate located in the Aconcagua Valley. It produces an extensive portfolio of wines from the region's popular grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot amoungst others. The estate was founded in 1870 by Don Maximiano Errazuriz who travelled on horseback out beyond established vineyard areas near Santiago to find the best possible terroir. By the time of the first release in 1873, the estate had over 300 hectares (740 acres) of vineyards. By 1890 this figure had risen to 700 ha (1730 ac), making Errazuriz the largest wine estate in the world owned by an individual. Wines from the estate portfolio are popular at all price levels, but Errazuriz has gained particular acclaim for its Icon wine range. Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve is the flagship offering, a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend of which spends 22 months in French oak barrels prior to bottling. Other wines in the Icon range include the KAI, a Carmenere-based blend and the La Cumbre Syrah which are all sourced from the estate vineyards. The estate has seven vineyards in warmer areas of the valley planted largely to Bordeaux varieties and Syrah with some Viognier. It also owns the Costa Estate in Aconcagua's coastal region about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the Pacific Ocean, where Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Here, an altitude of 600 meters (1968 feet) above sea level creates a long growing season with cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean reaching the vine. The company profile has been assured by a series of blind tastings, starting with The Berlin Tasting in 2004 of which pitched the company to great success against wines from notable Old World producers.
