2021 Concha Y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Chile

(96 Points) From its inaugural vintage in 1987, Viña Don Melchor aspired to demonstrate that Chilean terroir can produce world-class wines. Maintaining that credo, several years ago it became a stand-alone brand, separate from its parent company, Concha y Toro. The move signaled a shift to distinguish the flagship from Concha y Toro’s primarily large-volume and lower-priced labels. Now in its 35th vintage, the exemplary Viña Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Vineyard has undoubtedly succeeded in its endeavor as a reference for excellence, both in Chile and worldwide, and its 2021 version earns Wine Spectator’s 2024 Wine of the Year honors.

Viña Don Melchor is rooted in Chile’s most famous terroir—Puente Alto, a subdistrict of Maipo Valley just south of the Chilean capital of Santiago. Originally planted more than 100 years ago, the vineyard was revamped after Concha y Toro’s acquisition in 1968.

Today, the vineyard spans 314 acres—primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, with trace amounts of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot—and is divided into seven major parcels, which are further subdivided into 151 micro-parcels. The well-draining alluvial soil—which includes gravel, clay, sand and silt deposits—limits yields but concentrates flavors. The cool air that cascades down from the nearby Andes helps moderate temperatures and is one of the keys to the vineyard’s terroir stamp.  Wine Spectator #1 2024