The 2021 vintage of Don Melchor, the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon from Viña Don Melchor, was officially recognized as the “No. 1 Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator during the prestigious New York Wine Experience, in front of more than 1,000 attendees. This historic achievement makes Don Melchor the first Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon to receive the highest distinction from the influential U.S. publication, marking a turning point for Chile’s wine industry and proudly positioning the brand as a global ambassador for world-class Chilean winemaking.

Don Melchor had the honor of representing Chile at the exclusive New York Wine Experience, the most important global event in the wine industry, considered the Oscars of wine. This event brings together the main international leaders of the sector and proudly positions Chile at the pinnacle of global winemaking. 

The 2021 vintage was officially celebrated in New York after being chosen as “No. 1 – Wine of the Year” among more than 10,500 labels evaluated by Wine Spectator. This vintage of the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon from Viña Don Melchor not only became the first Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon to reach this historic achievement but also marked a turning point for the Chilean wine industry. 

The recognition was awarded at the recent edition of the New York Wine Experience, where Don Melchor represented Chile and officially received the accolade granted by the prestigious Wine Spectator magazine, thus consolidating this unique and proud moment for the Chilean wine industry.  

“While there’s no doubt that he has a sizable team working underneath him, producing the wines each and every year, it was Enrique’s vision in 1997 when he joined the company to divide and extract the uniqueness out of each vineyard parcel to more intimately understand the vineyard and to make a singular, exceptional wine from that vineyard. Having tended to the vineyard and made the wines for nearly 30 years now, I don’t know if Don Melchor could have risen to the status it has today among the world’s best wines without Enrique’s diligent and meticulous stewardship,” comments Aaron Romano, Senior Editor at Wine Spectator. 

Winemaker Enrique Tirado had the opportunity to present and share a tasting of the award-winning vintage with an audience of more than 1,000 people, highlighting this unique moment and the exceptional character that defines Don Melchor 2021. This distinction represents a before-and-after moment—not only for the brand but also for the global prestige of Chilean wine. 

“It is a source of pride and gratitude that Don Melchor 2021 was chosen as number one by the prestigious Wine Spectator magazine. For me, this is undoubtedly the highest distinction ever received by Don Melchor in its remarkable journey. This is largely due to the exceptional terroir of Puente Alto, one of the best origins in the world for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, but also, without a doubt, to a dedicated team that for more than 35 years has worked with the highest standards of excellence in agricultural management, winemaking processes, and constant innovation. This dedication and relentless pursuit of outstanding quality is the great obsession of Don Melchor and its entire team,” said Eduardo Guilisasti, CEO of Viña Concha y Toro. 

A LEGACY BORN IN PUENTE ALTO AND CELEBRATED WORLDWIDE 

Originating from the historic Don Melchor Vineyard in Puente Alto, at the foot of the Andes Mountains, this world-class Cabernet Sauvignon boasts over 35 vintages and has propelled Chilean winemaking to new heights since its inception. Don Melchor is born from the stony soils of this prestigious appellation, where cold mountain winds, century-old vines, and meticulous vineyard work combine to create one of the best terroirs for producing ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon. 

“To make a great wine, you need a clear vision of where you want to go while staying true to the essence of the terroir—because the terroir is truly what guides us. We are deeply aware of this, which is why in every vintage, we aim to express the beauty of the perfect balance found in Puente Alto’s terroir. This important recognition not only crowns this exceptional origin but also honors the meticulous, dedicated, and passionate work of everyone who has pursued excellence in Don Melchor year after year,” explains Enrique Tirado, CEO and Technical Director of Viña Don Melchor since 1997. 

Since the beginning, Viña Don Melchor was recognized for its exceptional terroir—a reality that has only been confirmed over time. As early as its second vintage in 1988, Don Melchor became the first Chilean wine ever to enter Wine Spectator’s exclusive Top 100 list, marking a milestone that reaffirmed Chile’s ability to produce world-class wines. 

Today, with its 35th vintage, Don Melchor has not only been named “No. 1 – Wine of the Year”, but also solidified its place as the most awarded Chilean wine in the history of the Top 100 list, with 10 appearances—a distinction shared by only two other wines worldwide: one from France and one from the United States. 

CELEBRATING CHILEAN WINE EXCELLENCE AROUND THE WORLD 

During 2024 and 2025, the Viña Don Melchor team brought this prestigious recognition to key global markets through its “Don Melchor – Top of the World” global roadshow, visiting more than 35 cities in 12 countries and connecting with clients, collectors, and wine lovers who have followed the brand’s journey since its first vintage in 1987. 

Isabel Guilisasti, Vice President of Fine Wines at Viña Concha y Toro, shares: “This global tour gave us the opportunity to share not only a historic recognition but also to reaffirm our commitment to the excellence and authenticity of Don Melchor. Each event was a valuable opportunity to connect with those who appreciate our tradition and to strengthen relationships. We are deeply grateful to our clients and distributors whose unwavering support has been essential in bringing Don Melchor to consumers around the world. None of this would have been possible without them.” 

The recognition of Don Melchor 2021 as the N°1 Wine of the Year marks a new chapter for Chilean viticulture. The consistency, elegance, and excellence that define this Cabernet Sauvignon—with over 35 vintages of history—have become the pillars of its global success, valued by consumers who appreciate its quality and legacy. Viña Don Melchor thus reaffirms its commitment to authenticity and the Puente Alto terroir, proudly elevating Chile to the very top of the global fine wine elite.