Formally known as Villa Don Maximiano, Errazuriz have shortened the name of this cuvée to Villa, helping to differentiate it from its sister wine Don Maximiano and given it a makeover including a distinctive new label. Always an inviting and approachable alternative blend made from fruit grown in the same Don Max vineyards. Errazuriz have picked an exceptionally good vintage of Villa to make the change with this 2022 recording some of the best critical acclaim for this wine ever. A remarkably tempting wine with gorgeous drinkability.
The Don Maximiano vineyard is located in the Aconcagua Valley and the oldest among them are Max I, Max II and Max V blocks. The region has a long dry season with moderately warm summer days cooled by the soft evening breezes that enter the valley from the Pacific Ocean. Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere vines were planted in 1978 and 1993, respectively, while the Petit Verdot was planted in 1999. The three vineyard blocks that contribute grapes for Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve are planted on north or northeast facing hillsides with 5°–25° of slope. Soils are volcanic, colluvial and piedmont (Max I and II) or alluvial (Max V) in origin, with good drainage conferring low to moderate vigour. The colluvial and volcanic rocky soils of Max I show high presence of mica with clay-silt texture. Max II has deep colluvial soils of volcanic origin, with loam to sandy-loam texture, and both have 30–40% stone content. Max V has deep gravelly alluvial soils with 50% stone content and excellent drainage.
A slightly warm season that yielded wines with intense colour, ripe tannins, and refreshing acidity. The 2021–2022 vintage was one of the driest in a century, with just 64 mm of rain versus the historic 128 mm. Temperatures were moderately above average, reaching 1,538 degree days. Despite the limited rainfall, yields remained stable thanks to winter irrigation that helped offset the deficit. These season’s conditions resulted in concentrated red wines with vibrant colour, ripe tannins, and acidity that enhances freshness and elegance.
25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Syrah, 24% Carmenere, 16% Malbe, 6% Grenache.
18 months in French oak barrels, 35% new, 5% in concrete egg, 5% in foudre.
