Errazuriz Max Carmenere

Errazuriz Max Carmenere is a 100% Carménère red wine from Chile's Aconcagua Valley, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scoring 92 points from Tim Atkin MW in his 2024 Chile Special Report and 91 points from Robert Parker, this expression represents one of the more compelling benchmarks for varietal Carménère at its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Aconcagua Valley, Chile  |  100% Carménère  |  Winery: Viña Errazuriz

Production & Heritage

Viña Errazuriz was founded in 1870 by Don Maximiano Errazuriz in the Aconcagua Valley, north of Santiago. The Max range draws fruit from estate vineyards near the winery in Panquehue, where diverse soils produce Carménère grapes with pronounced aromatic concentration. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks before 12 months of aging in French oak barrels, 25% of which are new — enough to add structural polish without masking the grape's distinctive herbaceous character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Roasted red pepper and tomato leaf lead the nose, followed by ripe blackcurrant and black cherry. Deeper notes of thyme, olive and a subtle mineral quality — sometimes described as currants rolled in iron filings — emerge with air.

Taste: Full-bodied on entry, the palate fills with juicy, succulent tannins and layered black fruit. Mid-palate, spiced red plum and cherry flavors develop alongside ground coffee and smoke. The French oak integration is seamless, lending structure without heaviness.

Finish: Medium-long and warmly spiced, with lingering notes of dark fruit and a savoury olive undertone. The tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a clean, pleasantly herbaceous impression.

How to Drink Max Carmenere

This wine shows its best character at around 16–18°C (60–64°F); decanting for 20–30 minutes before serving helps the aromatic layers unfold. It works equally well alongside food or on its own. For cocktails and wine-based drinks: a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) benefits from this wine's bold fruit; a Red Wine Sangria gains depth from the spice and pepper notes; and a classic Mulled Wine preparation pairs naturally with the existing cinnamon and clove undertones in the oak profile.

Best For

• Introducing a wine enthusiast to premium Chilean Carménère
• Pairing with a weekend grilled steak or barbecue dinner
• Building a South American wine tasting flight
• A reliable weeknight red that punches above its weight

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Max Carmenere taste like? It delivers full-bodied black fruit — blackcurrant, cherry, and plum — layered with roasted red pepper, olive, smoke, and ground coffee. The French oak aging adds spice and structure without overpowering the grape's distinctive herbaceous personality.

How does Max Carmenere compare to Errazuriz Reserva Carmenere? The Max sits one tier above the Errazuriz Estate Reserva, with 12 months in French oak (25% new) compared to less oak influence in the Reserva. Critics consistently score the Max several points higher, reflecting greater concentration and complexity.

Is Max Carmenere good for sipping on its own? Yes — its combination of ripe fruit, balanced tannins, and savoury complexity makes it satisfying without food, particularly when served slightly below room temperature and given time to open up.

Where is Max Carmenere made? It is produced by Viña Errazuriz at their estate in Panquehue, within Chile's Aconcagua Valley, a warm, dry region north of Santiago known for producing concentrated, aromatic red wines.

What foods pair well with Max Carmenere? Grilled beef or lamb chops mirror the wine's smoky, full-bodied character. Empanadas with spiced meat fillings complement the pepper and olive notes. Black bean stew works well with the savoury depth. Aged Manchego or Gouda accentuate the spice and dark fruit. Roasted red pepper dishes create a natural echo of the wine's signature aroma.

What sizes does Max Carmenere come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Max Carmenere worth the price? Max Carmenere positions as a mid-range Chilean red that regularly earns scores of 91–92 points from respected critics including Robert Parker and Tim Atkin MW, placing it among the strongest values in the varietal Carménère category.

Why Max Carmenere?

Carménère is Chile's signature grape, and Errazuriz — one of the country's oldest and most respected producers — has the vineyard pedigree in Aconcagua to express the variety at a high level. The 12-month French oak regimen with 25% new barrels is precisely calibrated to retain the grape's herbaceous, peppery identity while adding structural depth. Consistent critical recognition across multiple vintages — including 92 points from Tim Atkin MW and 91 from Robert Parker — confirms this is not a one-off success but a reliably well-made wine. For anyone exploring Carménère or looking for a characterful South American red, the Max bottling sets a clear quality standard at its price point.