Trapiche Single Vineyard Malbec Federico Villafane

Wine information: Trapiche is one of the largest and most highly-regarded wineries in Argentina. Trapiche buy grapes from many different growers. Each year they choose three different single vineyard Malbec , from three different growers to represent the best Malbec that Trapiche can offer in a particular vintage. It is a great accolade for the growers to be chosen for this honour. Daniel Pi, Trapiche's Head Winemaker, and his winemaking team have led the unification of vineyard management and winemaking at Trapiche, and are now recognised as the Malbec specialists of Argentina. Each single vineyard is located in different areas in Mendoza and at different altitudes, this variation in terroir leads to three markedly different wines. This year the wine-growers chosen for this privilege in 2008 are Federico Villafane, Cristina y Bibiana Coletto and Jorge Miralles. The 2008 wines also sport the highest scores for Trapiche Single Vineyard Malbecs from Robert Parker with 95, 94 and 96 points respectively. Federico Villafane's vineyard is located at La Consulta, San Carlos, Mendoza at an altitude of 1102m. The average ages of the vines is just 13 years, they are trained using the High Espalier method with spur pruning. The vineyard is composed of alluvial, sandy soil to sandy loam soils. Each of the three Single Vineyard Malbecs are wines are vinified in the same way. The grapes are hand-harvested, with bunch selection in the vineyards, followed by destemming and berry selection, The wine undergoes fermentation and maceration in small concrete vats for a a minimum of 25 days and undergoes natural malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: Trapiche Single Vineyard Malbec Federico Villafane is an intense, concentrated red colour. On the nose are aromas of red fruits, candied orange, black cherry liqueur with subtle spicy notes, smoke and dried fruits . In the mouth, it is sweet, juicy and full, with nuances of mocha cream, chocolate and almonds. Long finish with soft and gentle tannins.

Reviews: "The 2008 Malbec Single Vineyard Vina Federico Villafane also spent 18 months in new French oak. It is purple/black in color with an already complex nose of spicy black fruits, earth notes, and floral aromas. In the glass it reveals slightly more depth and concentration than the Cristina y Bibiana cuvee as well as splendid balance, volume, and length. Give it 5-6 years of cellaring and drink it from 2016 to 2028. 95pts" The Wine Advocate #198. Robert Parker.

 
     

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