99 Points
97 Points
97 Points
95 Points
96 Points

Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

SKU: DMEL202110 UCNZ

$299.99

Unit price: per

The 2021 Don Melchor has earned an exceptional 96 points from Wine Spectator, the highest score ever awarded by the publication for a Chilean wine, and the only wine in the country to receive this historic score for the fifth time. Featured in the “Hot Wines” segment, it reinforces its status as a b

This vintage has garnered outstanding reviews, including 99 points from James Suckling and 97 points from both Patricio Tapia and Vinous. These accolades highlight its exceptional depth, complexity, and elegance, affirming its position among the finest wines of recent years.

Composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot, this wine presents a sophisticated array of flavors, including cassis, blackberries, and hints of cigar box and chocolate. Its finely structured tannins and fresh acidity promise excellent aging potential, making it a great candid

Critic Scores

99 // James Suckling

"Ashy graphite, cassis, iron, blackberries and a hint of cigar box and chocolate. Lots of violets, too. Rich and intense with a full-bodied palate. Showing density and very fine but structured tannins. Long and intense finish with lots of flavors. 93% cabernet sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc and 3% merlot. One of the best over the last few years. Drinkable now, but will fledge and hold very well in the next 20 years."

97 // Vinous

"The 2021 Don Melchor is dark garnet red in the glass. The restrained nose offers pure fruity notes such as blackcurrant with hints of leaves and black tea, refined woody aromas, and gentle touches of plum and red bell pepper. In the mouth, it’s intense with mild juiciness and rounded tannins. The taut palate gradually grows more profound as it develops cedar flavors at the back of the throat before the long, rewarding finish. A wine that is more suggestive than explicit as it slowly envelops you in its different layers. The added freshness brings out the clarity of the fruity flavors."

97 // Patricio Tapia

"Compared to 2020, 2021 was much cooler in this area of Puente Alto, at the foot of the Andes in Alto Maipo. There were rains in spring and January, which were very beneficial for the vine and its balance. The average temperature between January and April was 17.6º, while it was 19.5 in 2020. The blend, as always, has a base of cabernet sauvignon that reaches 93%, most of it from old vineyards planted in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It spent 15 months in barrels, 68% of new oak. We at Descorchados are fans of the 2021 vintage, and Don Melchor has not disappointed us. As deep and complex as 2018 (our favorite vintage to date) was, this new Melchor shows its usual balance and elegance, and the acidity of a cooler year is also projected in the fruity flavors, which appear juicy here, while there are herbal tones and some flowers in the background. The tannins are silky, as usual. A Don Melchor for the cellar, although if you just can't wait, open it now with some slow-braised meat."

95 // Alistair Cooper MW

"The nose is quite shy at the moment but has an element of cassis beneath and a gravel graphite savoury note - the oak is present on the nose but surprisingly soft. A rich unctuous mouthfeel with wonderful acidity and freshness - texturally the tannins are almost clay like, fine, rounded but with a cooling presence. Rich and sweet fruits, cassis and cedar spice with a coffee note creeping through in the finish. For such a young wine it is impressive how complete it already is. Blue and cooling notes coming through on the finish. Impressive!"

96 // Wine Spectator

"A remarkable effort that channels the finesse of the vintage with rich, muscular edges, offering a base of graphite and cassis notes that gather around elegant layers of dried rosemary and white pepper. The richly textured core of raspberry and plum flavors show precision and just enough acidity to keep things sailing onto the finish around well-integrated tannins and touches of cocoa."

Product Details

Red

2018

Cabernet Blend

Concha y Toro

Maipo Valley, Chile

15 Plus Years

Cork

14.8%

750ml (Bottle)

Available for Purchase

Estimated dispatch from Warehouse: Thursday, January 02, 2025

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Description

The 2021 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a pinnacle of Chilean viticulture, receiving an impressive 96 points from Wine Spectator. This accolade, awarded for the fifth time in the wine's history, underscores its status as a top-tier Chilean wine, featured prominently in the publication's “Hot Wines” segment.
This vintage showcases a deep, garnet-red hue and offers an impressive aromatic profile of blackcurrant, graphite, and subtle hints of cigar box and chocolate. The nose is complex, revealing layers of violets, iron, and a touch of ash that enhance its intriguing bouquet.
On the palate, the 2021 Don Melchor is a masterclass in balance and depth. The wine is full-bodied with a rich, velvety texture, featuring an array of flavors including cassis, blackberries, and hints of cedar and coffee. Its silky, well-structured tannins and fresh acidity contribute to a long, satisfying finish. The cooler 2021 vintage has imparted a refined, elegant character to the wine, making it both accessible now and promising exceptional aging potential. Crafted with 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot, and aged for 15 months in French oak barrels (68% new), it embodies both elegance and depth.
The 2021 Don Melchor is a testament to the quality and longevity of Chile's premier Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted to perfection and ready to impress both now and for decades to come.
Tasting Profile

Light

Full

Low Tannin

Tannic

Sweet

Dry

Low Acidity

High Acidity

Aroma:

Blackcurrant, Chocolate, Grape

Palate:

Blackberry, Cassis, Cedar

Food Pairings:

Cheese

Game

Red Meat

Tasting Notes

Description

The 2021 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a pinnacle of Chilean viticulture, receiving an impressive 96 points from Wine Spectator. This accolade, awarded for the fifth time in the wine's history, underscores its status as a top-tier Chilean wine, featured prominently in the publication's “Hot Wines” segment.

This vintage showcases a deep, garnet-red hue and offers an impressive aromatic profile of blackcurrant, graphite, and subtle hints of cigar box and chocolate. The nose is complex, revealing layers of violets, iron, and a touch of ash that enhance its intriguing bouquet.

On the palate, the 2021 Don Melchor is a masterclass in balance and depth. The wine is full-bodied with a rich, velvety texture, featuring an array of flavors including cassis, blackberries, and hints of cedar and coffee. Its silky, well-structured tannins and fresh acidity contribute to a long, satisfying finish. The cooler 2021 vintage has imparted a refined, elegant character to the wine, making it both accessible now and promising exceptional aging potential. Crafted with 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Merlot, and aged for 15 months in French oak barrels (68% new), it embodies both elegance and depth.

The 2021 Don Melchor is a testament to the quality and longevity of Chile's premier Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted to perfection and ready to impress both now and for decades to come.

Tasting Profile

Light
Full

Low Tannin
Tannic

Sweet
Dry

Low Acidity
High Acidity

Aroma:

Blackcurrant, Chocolate, Grape

Palate:

Blackberry, Cassis, Cedar

Food Pairings:

Cheese

Game

Red Meat

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