2013 Don Melchor
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Tasting notes
91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 15 months in French oak barrels (66% new, 34% second-use). Very cold year. Dark crimson. Tarry and a bit too sweet initially and then a little green on the end. Still a bit awkward. (JR)
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Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Blackcurrant, very rich fruit and lovely sweet spice oak to match. Fragrant and sophisticated and built to last. Perhaps just a little warm on the finish. (RH)
2012 is a short vintage, so the 2013 will be released towards the end of 2016. I tasted the 2013 Don Melchor, which contained 9% of Cabernet Franc to complement the Cabernet Sauvignon from Puente Alto in the Maipo Valley; the final blend was created from 23 lots of free-run juice wine and 39 lots of press wine. The blend is done with the help of Eric Boissenot (previously with his father Jacques). The wine matured in 66% new French oak barrels for some 15 months. I see this 2013 more in the line of the 2010 (and 2011). In fact, 2013 was a very cold year. The nose combines aromas of tobacco, iron and blood, dark cherries and some herbs. The palate shows something in between 2011 and 2012, medium to full-bodied with fruit, tannins and a slightly bitter finish. It should get polished with a little bit more time in bottle. 109,200 bottles produced. I also had the chance to preview the 2014 and 2015 vintages that were aging in barrel, still very young and primary.
2013 was cooler than most years. 9% Cabernet Franc. Blackish crimson. Broader crimson rim than some. Smells a bit simple and just slightly raw at the moment. Undeveloped, slightly salty aroma but very round and well-managed tannins. Great texture even if the flavours are still a little unformed. (JR)