There's Always Time for Don Melchor
In this issue: winemaker Enrique Tirado, wine & candy, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, Iberian wine series
About a decade ago, I tasted Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time. I had no idea that I was being introduced to a Chilean icon. I approached Don Melchor without expectations and was immediately captivated by its beauty, complexity, and drinkability. Once I started investigating, I learned that Don Melchor debuted with the 1987 vintage and that Don Melchor 1988 was the first Chilean wine recognized by Wine Spectator as one of the Top 100 Wines of the World. It has been honored on this prestigious list nine times, including three times in the coveted Top 10.
In 2019, I met Don Melchor winemaker Enrique Tirado, and over the years, I have had the pleasure of tasting almost every vintage of the wine with him. We recently met up during a hectic week in NYC at The Modern restaurant for a tasting of Don Melchor 2018 and 2021. Enrique is a methodical, innovative, and passionate winemaker, and I always learn something new from our conversations.
The Don Melchor vineyard spans 127 hectares in the Puente Alto DO, in the Alto Maipo Valley, on the northern bank of the Maipo River in the foothills of the Andes. The vineyard is divided into seven plots of Cabernet Sauvignon and small plots of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Those plots are further divided into micro-plots. Due to factors such as soil content, water retention, and exposition, each plot yields grapes with distinct profiles.
“Don Melchor is for me the constant search for the best expression of each of the vines within the vineyard, in order to achieve in each harvest the beauty of the balance of the Puente Alto terroir. That is my true obsession. I use technology as a tool to achieve greater knowledge, but on this, observing and feeling each plant and wine, is what allows us to achieve the perfect balance in each harvest. “ - Enrique Tirado
Enrique always reminds me that Don Melchor is not just one Cabernet Sauvignon but multiple expressions, a stunning blend of these individual plots. I’ve had the opportunity to taste Don Melchor from every decade, and it eloquently expresses the character of each vintage yet maintains a consistent style defined by balance, beautifully woven tannins, and refreshing acidity.
Don Melchor keeps earning accolades: 2021, the 35th vintage, was awarded 96 points by Wine Spectator; this is the fifth time that Don Melchor has received the highest score ever awarded to a Chilean wine.
I don’t assign points to wines, but Don Melchor always ranks highly for me because of its elegance, precision, and drinkability. It's a wine to share and savor.
Candy & Wine on New York Living
Wine is not just for special moments; it has a place in the reality of our day to day lives. And sometimes life is a little silly! I had a sweet time sharing Halloween candy & wine with Marysol Castro and Nelson “Figgie” Figueroa on New York Living (PIX 11). Click here to watch the segment and see the featured pairings: Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay with Candy Corn, Dr. Konstantin Frank Reserve Riesling with White Chocolate, Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Rosso with M&Ms, Rosa Regale Sparkling Red with Milk Chocolate, Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry with Snickers.
Charleston Wine + Food Festival
Tickets are on sale now for the Charleston Wine + Food Festival (CHSWF) in March 2025. It may seem a long way off, but my United States of Sparkling seminar has already sold-out. There are a still a few tickets left for my Around the World with Pinot Noir tasting, and there are many other delicious events on the CHSWF calendar. Hope to see you in the Holy City. Cheers!
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Iberian Wines Tasting Videos
I recently filmed a series of tasting videos for Vineyard Brands featuring a selection of their wines from the Iberian Peninsula. The tasting adventure starts in Spain with wines produced by Marqués de Cáceres in Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Rueda. The next video explores Portugal through wines produced by the Symington family. The final video showcases Madeira and its namesake wine through fortified wines made by Cossart Gordon and Miles. Click here to watch the videos on YouTube. Cheers!
Cheers!
Wanda