1999 Don Melchor

93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 13 months in French oak barrels (60% new, 40% second-use). Rather dull crimson with a pale rim. Smells of concrete! Then very voluptuous fruit indeed. This may have been a bit too sweet when young? But it has a rich medicinal note and is holding up well. Perhaps the thick-skin tannins (dry vintage conditions?) help? (JR)

The 1999 Don Melchor was bottled in October 2000 after 13 months in French oak barrels, 70% of them new. 1999 was very dry and somehow cooler (1998 remains one of the most challenging vintages in Maipo), which resulted in an early harvest with small grapes that provided concentrated juice with ripe tannins. The grapes were picked in the first half of April, and the blend included 7% Cabernet Franc. It was bottled at 13.8% alcohol (lower than the current wines) after 13 months in 70% new French oak barrels. There is a faint animal hint with notes of singed leather, slightly earthy, aromas of licorice and graphite and fountain pen ink. This was the driest year ever at Don Melchor, but it was saved by cooler temperatures during the harvest season. It has good concentration and power, with a meaty palate and with fruit that is receding, and the sensation is drier, with abundant tannins. I'd drink this now with some red meat. 150,000 bottles produced.

Very dry, difficult season. Dark core but evolved rim. Very exciting, the most successful of the older wines so far. I'd rather have this than most red bordeaux 1999! Dry finish and very succulent. This wine doesn't seem at all rustic nor hot. Well done! (JR)