We are back with another round from Mendoza’s Trapiche vineyards after being delighted by its Oak Cask Malbec and Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon earlier this year. With expectations high, let’s uncork.

2017 Trapiche Iscay Syrah-Viognier – A deep and heavy on blackberry nose deceptively brings malbec impressions to mind, but the palate corrects that assumption with a blend of dark fruit and vanilla wonderfully balanced by forest herbs and a light floral tease. A touch too much on the oaky side on the finish, but never so overbearing that return visits aren’t out of the question. Open and enjoy now, preferably over a hearty dinner. A- / $45

2020 Trapiche Oak Cask Cabernet Sauvignon – A solid interplay of blackberry and plum arrives on the nose, with a mild note of black pepper after some time out of the bottle. A medium finish with nuances of raspberry, licorice, and a faint trace of campfire smoke round things off nicely. The 2018 Trapiche Medalla was a solid buy at $20, and this nearly replicates the feat at half the price. You might want to store it away for a spell before consuming, though. B+ / $10

trapichewines-usa.com

2017 Trapiche Iscay Syrah-Viognier

$45

9

Rating

9.0/10