CONCHA CABERNET DON MELCHOR 2011

Gorgeous aromas of eucalyptus, black currants, berries and stones. Medium to full body, fine tannins and tension. Firm, caressing texture. This remains one of the top cabs of Chile as always. Better in 2017.

With 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and some drops of Cabernet Franc, this comes form the tradtional Tocornal Vineyard, planted in the mid-1970s. A cold vintage reveals its herbal, spicy, flavors, but above all a crunchy, vivacious acidity and pungent tannins that need time in a bottle. A brilliant version of a classic.

Rich and powerful, with balanced and elegant flavors of dried raspberry, mocha, mineral and dark chocolate. Creamy midpalate, presenting a broad and lush finish, revealing slate and white pepper notes. Drink now through 2022.

I tasted three bottled vintages of the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon from the Puente Alto appellation in the Maipo Valley, the classical zone for the Bordeaux grape in Chile, starting with the 2011 Don Melchor; this wine had plenty of aromas of graphite, iron, cold ashes, blood and fresh meat -- denoting freshness and seriousness. This year only has 1% Cabernet Franc blended in -- one of the lower, if not the lowest years ever. With time, the more balsamic aromas emerge, which also gives some brightness and light to the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with some sweet fruit and the core of fine-grained, classical Cabernet tannins. This is a fresh, elegant vintage of Don Melchor, a prototype Cabernet from Alto Maipo.

As per usual, Don Melchor is singing a pretty tune. Deep, dense aromas of floral berry fruits and tarry darkness are solid and complete. Pure, elegant and confident across the palate, this delivers firm cassis, plum and cherry flavors backed by a toasty finish accented by licorice. This is rich and brawny but not heavy; drink through 2023.