Trapiche Terroir Series Finca Coletto Malbec 2017 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is an excellent Malbec that was originally supposed to arrive at the LCBO during the summer, but it's release got pushed back to last week's VINTAGES Classics Collection Release on October 7th - and it was certainly worth the wait!

Since its founding in 1883, Bodega Trapiche has received international recognition for its relentless quest for innovation. Their understanding of the land is their most valuable asset, and combined with state-of-the-art technology allows Trapiche to venture into otherwise unchartered territory. Trapiche is contantly challenging what is known and pioneered the use of French varieties, French oak barrels, and crafting micro-terroir wines. In order to do their part for the environment,

Trapiche also practices biodynamic winemaking to preserve the natural properties of the crops by eliminating the use of chemicals, herbicides and fungicides, and calculating the moon cycles for harvest. Additionally, they also look to sustain ecosystem balance, biological diversity, and recover bacterial activity in the soil. They believe that to keep on producing, innovating and educating about their wines, they must respect what nature provides.

This red wine is from Trapiche's Terroir Series range - a group of single vineyard wines which aim to convey the extraordinary potential of Mendoza's terroir and its imprint on the Argentina's flagship varietal - Malbec. This particular Malbec is from Finca Coletto - a 58+ year-old vineyard in El Peral, within Tupungato, Uco Valley, that has consistently shown outstanding quality over the years and is one Uco Valley's best expressions of Malbec. The grapes were grown at an altitude of 1,127 metres (3,700 feet) above sea level on alluvial, sandy soils that sit over a layer of rock. The grapes were manually harvested, de-stemmed, then fermented using wild yeasts in a combination of concrete tanks, eggs, and square tanks. For 18 months, 75% of the wine was aged in new French 300 L oak barrels, while the rest was aged 6.000 L oak foudre, followed by further ageing for 12 months in bottle prior to release. Let's see how this Malbec is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TRAPICHE TERROIR SERIES FINCA COLETTO MALBEC 2017 - El Peral, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#482968) (XD) - $45.00
The medium-high intensity nose is deep and dark fruited, slightly reductive and bretty, but laying underneath are complex aromas of spice, black and red fruit, currant, forest floor, earthy, and stony mineral notes. On the impressively structured, medium-full bodied palate it has lovely dark fruited blackberry, blueberry, stony mineral, and dried spice notes with hints of black plum. Succulent acids are fresh and juicy, while the suave, structured tannins have a slightly chalky grip. Some warmth on the mid-palate, but still well-balanced. Excellent length on the stony mineral, slightly tart berry finish. Enjoyable now, but still a few years away from prime drinking. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

Other lovely wines by Trapiche are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Dandurand.