Gastro Traveling

Trapiche Oak Aged Chardonnay

I recently had the pleasure of tasting some oak cask wines produced by Trapiche Vineyards of Mendoza Argentina.  Located in the Andes foothills, their grapes benefit from generous sunlight and waters irrigated directly from mountain ice melt.  Trapiche’s 9 month oak aging process mellows the alcohol and brassy tang, while instead amplifying the flavor interplay and sophistication treble fold. 

2007 Chardonnay

Upon opening:  On the pour, hue is golden like yellow aspen leaves aflutter in the autumn sun.
Bouquet has faint fruitiness locked within the hardwood oak that it’s aged in.  This wine is dead set against giving away its personality by aroma.

The Tasting:  Flavor starts off spicy and sharp on the throat quickly giving way to deep texture ranging from fruity bite to oaky sweetness mellowing to hints of caramel.  Sharp and zappy mouth feel illuminates the palate while the tongue is caressed in velvety sugar sweetness.  Pleasant fresh grape aftertaste.

Overall: Great tasting sophisticated Chardonnay.  Wonderful layers keep on emerging and teasing the nose and palate of this wine. A mishmash of fruit, spice, and woody flavors are exceptionally constructed and smooth.

2007 Pinot Noir

Upon Opening: Pours deep blackish purple and has a bouquet wafting with juicy pear, cherry, and black berry jam

Trapiche Oak Aged Pinot Noir

neutralized by the oak aging.

The Tasting:  Chalky effervescence lays a neutral foundation on the palate.  Nice and even sipping, straight ahead fresh fruit with no extreme alcohol high notes or pungent fruitiness.  Hints of fresh grape punctuated by subtle blackberry high notes.  Limestone cave meets sedate arbor/berry patch with a slight bite clearing the way for loads of pairing opportunities.  A blossoming desert in spring. 

Overall: I have to admit that I’m biased toward Pinots so it’s hard for me to find something totally off putting about any bottle of this variety.  However, Trapiche’s Pinot Noir is a clear winner!  You get the classic ultra stable mouth feel dappled with hints of just picked fruits caressing the palate.