Patricio Tapia: They tried to include Merlot in the blend again (as in 1995), but it did not give quite the right results. So, Enrique Tirado, the new Don Melchor winemaker from 1997, decided to try including other varieties planted at Tocornal, adding 7 percent Cabernet Franc to the final blend. “The Cabernet Franc from Tocornal has a role similar to that of the Merlot. It softens the blend and lends more elegance to the tannins,” Tirado says. With the exception of the 2000, all subsequent vintages of Don Melchor would have Cabernet Franc in the blend. With respect to the quality of the vintage, it was a very hot, dry year that produced a voluptuous, potently ripe Don Melchor, rich in flavors of coffee and chocolate. 17.5 (92)