I know this is probably going to get me flamed, but after trying both, I genuinely think VIK 2022 Millahue is the better wine.
Before anyone comes at me, Don Melchor is legendary. It basically put Chilean Cabernet on the global map and it's one of the best Cabernets you'll find anywhere.
For me, the biggest difference is that Don Melchor tastes like an incredible Cabernet Sauvignon. VIK tastes like an incredible place.
VIK feels like it's chasing terroir first and variety second. Instead of making the biggest, boldest Cabernet, it's focused on expressing Millahue. Every part of the estate is vinified separately and blended parcel by parcel, and I think you can actually taste that.
Also, using 79% Cabernet Franc is such a flex.
Cab Franc brings so much more personality. You get violets, graphite, herbs, crushed stone, and fresh red fruit instead of just dark fruit and oak. Every time I went back to the glass, I noticed something different.
Don Melchor is amazing, but it's more predictable. Cassis, cedar, tobacco, chocolate, polished oak. It's classic and executed almost perfectly.
VIK feels alive.
The tannins are incredibly fine, the acidity keeps everything fresh, and despite all the concentration, it never feels heavy. Everything is balanced. Nothing sticks out.
I also think people underestimate how difficult it is to make a wine that's this elegant while still having serious structure.
If you love classic Bordeaux inspired Cabernet, you'll probably still pick Don Melchor.
But if you value energy, freshness, complexity, and a wine that keeps evolving in the glass, I honestly think VIK is on another level.
Curious if anyone else has tasted both. I'd love to hear where you landed.
Sources (for anyone interested):
For 15 years, Athan Zafirov has traveled the vineyards around the world and worked with some of the greatest chefs including Francois Duc and Alan Brown.
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