Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1036886
66 / the tasting panel / october 2018 WINE #5: TRAPICHE MEDALLA 2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, MENDOZA, ARGENTINA ($25) Presented by Agustina Brizuela, Wine Ambassador for Trapiche The moment Wine Ambassador Agustina Brizuela of Argentina's Trapiche stood up to introduce herself and unveil Wine #5, a murmur of acknowledgement rippled through the room. "I think that many of you now assume this wine must be Malbec," she said with a smile as she removed the bottle from its blind- tasting bag, "but it is not." "And why would it be?!" a gentleman shouted from the back of the room in mock exasperation. As the laughter died down, Brizuela explained that Trapiche remains com- mitted to showcasing Argentina's hallmark grapes: "There are many great wines from Argentina. We wanted to show you something different than what you would expect," she said. While Trapiche is a leading producer of premium single-varietal Malbec, the winery also cultivates Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Torrontés, and Sauvignon Blanc across 2,470 acres of proprietary WINE #4: BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE 2015 GSM, BAROSSA VALLEY, AUSTRALIA ($13) Presented by Gina Grilli, Account Sales Manager for Delegat USA Australia's Barossa Valley Estate produces only red wines: a single- varietal Shiraz, a Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Grenache/ Shiraz/Mourvèdre (GSM) blend. "Our philosophy is to capture the distinctive elegance, finesse, and vibrant fruit flavors of one of the world's most celebrated wine regions, the Barossa Valley," said Gina Grilli, Account Sales Manager for parent company Delegat USA, as she unveiled the wine. Nestled on the southern edge of the country, the Barossa Valley looks more like a savanna than a verdant lowland. The contrast between the sprawling rows of green grape- vines and the barren, straw-colored mounds of the Barossa Range is stark, yet it never fails to impress and inspire. In these foothills, with their tapestry of abundant minerals and friable red clay loam soils, Barossa Valley Estate's grapes develop a vibrancy and depth of flavor that's come to define the region's distinctive style of wine. The Barossa Valley Estate 2015 GSM presented at the tasting blends 35% Grenache, 34% Shiraz, and 31% Mourvèdre, with each vineyard block harvested and vini- fied separately. The ripe fruit was destemmed, macerated, and fermented for up to seven days, with temperatures and pump-overs controlled to retain the elegant varietal charac- teristics during the creation of a soft tannin structure. After malolactic fermentation, the wine aged for ten months in French oak barrels. "Our 2015 GSM blend is fresh and fragrant, showcasing three of the Barossa Valley's incredible grapes brought together to create a wine much greater than the sum of its parts," Grilli said. She went on to describe how Grenache lends floral aromatics and earthy notes; Shiraz adds finesse and a spicy black- and red-fruit character; and Mourvèdre injects tense blackberry fruit and subtle herbal notes. French-oak aging completes the package, seamlessly weaving together a seductive texture, approachable, versatile style, and delicious flavor profile bursting with cherries and blackberries. Grilli recommends pairing the wine with steak, charcuterie, roast fowl, mushrooms, or semi-hard cheeses. BLIND TASTINGS TYRION WOULD BE NO MATCH FOR THE ARMY OF TALENTED INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS ASSEMBLED AT THE SOCIETY OF WINE EDUCATORS ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK'S FINGER LAKES REGION.