VIÑA DON MELCHOR
MAIPO VALLEY, CHILE 2022
Why Buy: Fresh off the triumphant announcement of their 2021 vintage as Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year, Don Melchor delivers another high-elevation masterpiece, the 99-point 2022 vintage, which somehow manages to be just as thrilling — and perhaps even more accessible — than its celebrity sibling. No surprise to us or to its legion of fans; Don Melchor's track record of excellence would make most first-growth Bordeaux blush. Vintage after vintage, it never fails to deliver, bringing together the precision of the Old World together with the generosity of the New. Wines that, like this rewarding beauty, make you wonder why you're spending three times as much on your usual suspects.
What They're Saying: James Suckling's 99-point review is an unfolding experience of rapture: "Pure and fragrant. Full-bodied with superb density and tannins that are so polished. The texture is like touching a silk ball. Its finish is very long."
Tasting Notes: In the glass, this 2022 performs the sort of balancing act that would make a Cirque du Soleil performer nervous. Classical structure meets exuberant fruit, Old World refinement dances with New World vitality. The palate offers layer upon layer of complexity while maintaining the sort of poise that reminds you why high-altitude vineyards are worth the extra effort (and occasional vertigo) they require.
The Story: To understand the extraordinary success of this estate over three decades, all it takes is one glimpse of its vineyards. Situated in the Puente Alto D.O., at the foot of the Andes Mountains, the eponymous Don Melchor vineyard sits at more than 2,000 feet above sea level. High elevation is essential, as we all know, to the production of any wine that has ambitions of becoming world-class. But the Don Melchor vineyard has more that altitude going for it. The 30+ year old Cabernet Sauvignon vines are from a pre-phylloxera selection brought to Chile from Bordeaux in the late 19th century. The Bordeaux connection extends to the cellar, as well. Operations at the estate are overseen by the renowned Bordeaux consultants Jacques and Eric Boissenot, in conjunction with award-winning winemaker Enrique Tirado.
Fun Fact: Since becoming the first Chilean wine to earn its way onto Wine Spectator's Top 100 list in 1988, Don Melchor has appeared on this prestigious ranking an astounding eight times, including 2023's coveted #1 spot.
What to Pair Them With: An herb-crusted rack of lamb or a perfectly seared ribeye are, of course, the obvious suggestions, but may we also recommend a South American mixed grill of meats, sausages, and onions, or a long-cooked and unctuously soft Cuban lechón.
Our Guarantee: As with all our premium offerings, these wines come directly from the estate with perfect provenance.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2025. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NE, NY, OK, or TN. This offer is valid for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, February 20th, 2025.