Sorry can’t help thinking this wine sounds like some motor oil. Hopefully it tastes better than Saudi juice.
It comes from 8 different vineyards in the Aconcagua Valley in Chile which has been carved out by the abundant rainwater that flows down from Mt. Aconcagua, the highest mountain range in the western hemisphere. Red varieties have had a long tradition in the inner valley close to the Andes while cool climate loving Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are thriving near the coast.
It is an extremely approachable blend of Syrah, Malbec, Carménère, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre. Who wouldn’t want to oil their gullet with this wine!
Aromatics: Blackberry, black cherry, blueberry and big fat local strawberries so different from wooden Californian ones we must suffer through in Canada for most of the year.
Palate: I would dearly love to have the blenders of this wine on my payroll because they have blended an enormously approachable wine. The tannins are moderate but so diffuse they just might trick you into thinking they are less prominent than they really are. Raspberry and the strawberry are the influence of Carménère and Grenache respectively. Although a bit thin the fruit does wonders here.
Personality: I am everyone’s best friend. That includes novices and hot shot wine writers like the guy that is describing me now. For Canadians that love Trius Red from Niagara you’ll love me!
Food match: Bacon wrapped pork tenderloin, Port braised cabbage, roasted apple, celeriac purée and sage jus. Or spicy black bean chili!
Cellarbility: A slight improvement through to 2025 and drink by the end of 2026.
In a nutshell: If you like a red wine that is blended in a fashion to avoid any particular grape personality having prominence this wine is for you. Not complex but 5-star enjoyability.
Price: $25.95 (Ontario).
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 90/100. Jamessuckling.com 94.
(Errazuriz Max VIII 2018, D.O. Valle de Aconcagua, Viña Errazuriz, Panqehue, Chile, 750 mL, LCBO # 24765, 14%).
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