2022 Viña Don Melchor, Cabernet Sauvignon, Puente Alto, Chile - 750ML

99 Points – James Suckling

Don Melchor is one of Chile’s benchmark Cabernet-based wines, produced from the historic Puente Alto vineyard at the foot of the Andes. The 2022 vintage combines remarkable concentration with the freshness, graphite character, and finely structured tannins that have made this site one of South America’s most celebrated sources for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot.
Tasting Notes: Deep and expressive, with blackcurrant, cassis, blackberry, and ripe red fruit layered with graphite, violet, subtle herbs, and savory mineral notes. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated yet remarkably polished, with fine-grained tannins, excellent freshness, and a long, composed finish that balances richness with precision.
Structure: Powerful and concentrated, with polished tannins, excellent balance, and considerable long-term aging potential.
Drink Window: 2028–2045+. James Suckling specifically recommends beginning after 2028, and the wine’s density and structure suggest a long evolution in bottle.

Decanting: Decant for approximately 2 hours if opened young. Its compact Cabernet structure benefits from generous aeration, allowing the cassis, graphite, floral, and savory elements to become more expressive.

The 2022 Don Melchor is a compelling choice for collectors seeking a world-class Cabernet with both pedigree and cellar potential. It has the depth and authority for a special dinner alongside prime beef, lamb, or roasted game, while its precision and longevity make it equally attractive as a bottle to lay down for future occasions.