The 2018 Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon from the Maipo Valley in Chile is a distinguished red wine that has garnered significant acclaim from wine reviewers. This Cabernet Sauvignon, with a small blend of 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, showcases the exceptional quality of its vintage and region.
James Suckling awarded this wine a perfect score of 100, describing it as "amazing" with "vibrancy and energy." He emphasized its "complexity of aromas" including flowers, blackcurrants, raspberries, and peaches. Suckling praised its full-bodied nature, refined texture, and "marvelous" length, recommending to drink it after 2023 (jamessuckling.com, 4/16/2020).
Wine Spectator gave the wine a score of 95, noting its "powerful and well-structured" profile with "vibrant acidity" and a "lively blend of dark fruit and fresh-crushed cooking spice flavors." The review highlighted its "cedary and savory notes" and a long finish with "underbrush accents," suggesting it is best enjoyed now through 2027 (Wine Spectator, 5/31/2021).
Vinous rated it 96, pointing out the wine's complex layers starting with black currant and sour cherry, followed by mint, cedar, and pepper. The review appreciated its "juicy" mouthfeel, fine-grained tannins, and overall harmonious and delicious Bordeaux blend (Vinous, 5/1/2021).
Wine & Spirits also scored it 96, commending the "freshness of the season" and the wine's "quiet, gracious power." The review mentioned its black currant and tart red cherry flavors, likening the experience to "the crunch of walking through Andean snow" (Wine & Spirits, 6/1/2021).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it 95, noting the cooler and rainier vintage of 2018 contributed to a "complete and balanced wine." The review described it as having "power and finesse," with polished tannins and a classical profile (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 8/31/2021).
Decanter gave an impressive score of 98, praising its "precision and elegance" and the "fragrant aromas of redcurrant, graphite, thyme, and cigar box." The review highlighted its "silky, tense flow" and prolonged finish (Decanter).
Lastly, Wine Enthusiast rated it 94, appreciating its "smooth aromas of leather, cassis, and plum," and noting its "deeply built" structure. The review mentioned flavors of "blackberry and cassis" with a hint of peppery spice and a lightly toasted finish (Wine Enthusiast, 4/1/2022).
In summary, the 2018 Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon is a highly acclaimed wine, celebrated for its complexity, balance, and elegant structure. It is a standout representation of the Maipo Valley's winemaking prowess.