Concha Y Toro, Alto Maipo (Chile) 2011

For decades, Don Melchor has traditionally been Chile’s emblematic wine.  Despite competition from other top Chilean producers with their top Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines, Don Melchor remains a Chilean icon.  The 2011 shows why:  Enticing, hard to define aromas capture your attention immediately.  Then it delivers fruit flavors, herbal notes all supported by appropriate structure.  In short, it has impeccable balance.  Polished and long, with, what to me is a hallmark of serious wine, a touch of bitterness in the finish.  It’s really a perfect combination of fruitiness of California and structure of Bordeaux.  If you’re in a position to splurge this holiday season, here’s a good choice for drinking now or for cellaring since Don Melchor develops even more complexity with bottle age.