In my review of the Conquista Malbec 2008, I mentioned that I’d heard good things about the Trapiche Malbec but had not tasted it for myself. Imagine my delight when I ran across the 2007 just days later! I plunked down $9.98 for my bottle, took it home, and uncorked it with a smoked chicken sausage, red peppers, and fresh bread.
Image from JerichoWine.com
My first reaction: power tannins. Whoa. If I were to teach a wine tasting course (which would probably constitute malpractice, but run with me here), this is the wine I’d pick to illustrate the concept of tannins. The finish left my mouth totally dry. You can’t accuse the wine of lacking character or boldness, but I’m not sure if I love tannins quite this pronounced. My tongue feels woolly.
After letting the wine breathe for a bit in the glass, it opens up and reveals chocolate, spice, smoke, and thick fruit. But the finish is still chewy and packs a major tannin punch. I wish I’d paired this with a richer dish — it begs for a medium-rare grilled steak, or a cheeseburger with bacon, or perhaps a gooey carnitas platter at a great Mexican restaurant.
The next day, after re-corking it and letting it sit overnight, the wine is brilliant — fruity, spicy, perfectly balanced, not nearly as intensely tannic. I regret leaving our decanter and our wine aerator in Boston.
Verdict: A good buy, but it’s *essential* to let it breathe. Pour it into a decanter, or through a wine aerator, or uncork it an hour or so before you want to drink it. And pair it with red meat.
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