The purity and reserve to this is wonderful with blackcurrants and crushed stone. Some redcurrants, as well. Full body. Polished and refined tannins give this a pleasant, caressing texture. Tight and focused. Elegance with structure. Drinkable now, but better in 2022.

Even though it's still very young and it's not going to be released for some months, the 2016 Don Melchor shows great elegance and poise. This might be a lighter year for Don Melchor, but it has more finesse, lower alcohol (the label says 14%, when it was traditionally 14.5%) and great balance. This has a velvety texture, with very fine and round tannins and very good freshness. There are some balsamic notes, and the wine feels undeveloped, but it has the balance and stuffing to develop nicely in bottle and for a long time.

An austere start on the nose with pencil shavings, graphite and some dark black fruit, cassis and blueberries. There’s a nip of tannin and a creamy finish, dominated by its refreshing acidity.