1990 Don Melchor
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Tasting notes
100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels (60% new, 40% second-use). Lustrous ruby. A little tired on the nose. But warm and comforting and fully evolved on the palate. Sweeter and fresher than the wines from the 1980s with more complete fruit and without the dryness on the end. Like a fully mature 1990 bordeaux! I have a personal tendresse for this but I think some would object to the very light oxidation on the nose. Second bottle is more vigorous on the palate but smells strangely of candied violets. Still same score. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Pierre Rovani
More reviews and scores
The medium to dark ruby-colored 1990 has cassis and fresh herbs in its aromatics. On the attack, this wine expands to reveal an appealing depth of black fruit, which is quickly dominated by hard tannin. This is a firm, rustic, foursquare, medium-bodied wine that reflects the fact that the last two months before harvest were cool, and the grapes never fully ripened. Congratulations to Concha y Toro and winemaker Enrique Tirado for this fascinating and enlightening lineup of delicious wines. Importer: Banfi Vintners, Old Brookville, NY; tel. 516-626-9200