I got to taste two vintages of most of the wines this time, like the 2014 Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve and the following vintage. The blend in 2014 was high in Cabernet Sauvignon at 68%, plus 18% Carménère, 9% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot from volcanic colluvial soils in Aconcagua. It fermented in small stainless steel vats and matured in French oak barrels (70% new) for 20 months. There is a big change in this wine with this vintage (it really started in 2013 and peaked in 2015) towards more freshness and less oak. It keeps its classical profile but with a lot more freshness. The palate is medium-bodied, with the telltale tannins of the variety and very tasty almost salty finish. Volumes were lower in 2014, down to 50,000 bottles. It was bottled in March 2016.

Svelte, featuring firm tannins behind the juicy dark cherry, plum and wild berry flavors. Savory midpalate, offering a finish that lingers with notes of green herbs and spice. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2022. 200 cases imported.