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56 / the tasting panel / july 2017 SOUTH AMERICA Tasting Notes by Meridith May, Publisher/Editorial Director Trapiche Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon ($25) is sourced from Trapiche's Mendoza vineyards in Cruz de Piedra and Luján de Cuyo. Blackberry and black coffee are some of the praise-worthy essences that come through on the nose and palate. The texturally evolved, velvet mouthfeel is a result of 18 months of aging in all-new French oak. 93 Grapes for Trapiche Medalla Malbec ($25) are sourced from the Uco Valley at Tupungato, at an awe-inspiring 3,500 feet above sea level. Winemaker Daniel Pi explains, "The soil is diverse, despite the high altitude. The vineyard consists of alluvial, calcareous and stony soils that are in many ways similar to those encountered in Burgundy and Champagne." While the nose exhibits deep blue floral tones, cigar leafand boysen- berry, the mineral thread that drives through the purple-black liquid adds broad shoulders to the underlying satin texture. Meaty notes are further flavored by black cherry, which charm to the finish. 93 Also adorning our palates . . . Trapiche Medalla Chardonnay ($25) With a hint of Viognier blended in (3%), this expres- sive pale-straw-colored Chardonnay displays a yin-yang of mineral leanness and sensual body. The nose is of a spring flower garden with a touch of slate. On the palate, the stony quality is augmented with lemon-lime zest for a crisp mouthfeel. The weight on the tongue is noticeable, and a chamomile viscosity allows the great acidity to show through. 93 Trapiche 2013 Terroir Series Malbec, Finca Orellana ($50) One of the most superb Malbecs I have ever tasted, from anywhere in the world. This single- vineyard offering from La Consulta in Uco offers up aromas of violets and black pepper with a side of grilled beef. The flavors of black plum, blackberry and singed coffee beans meld into plush tannins. Dark chocolate is creamy, and a plum liqueur finish, spiced with Asian seasoning, lengthens the world-class wine's finish. 97 TRAPICHE MEDALLA LAUNCHES IN THE U.S. T he three-dimensional bronze medallion that adorns the new releases of Trapiche's Medalla tier—designed by Argentine artist Victor Grippo—depicts the interconnection between the grapes and the various terroirs in Mendoza's wine-growing sub-regions. Medalla hails from high-altitude, premium vineyard parcels within Luján de Cuyo, Maipu and the Uco Valley. Launched in 1983, honoring the 100th Anniversary of Trapiche, Medalla was originally a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot. It has since evolved into two red offerings—Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec—both of which are 100 percent varietal wines. It is Trapiche's long history of winegrowing, dating back to 1883, that has allowed it to acquire unique sites and develop grower relations to source fruit across Mendoza's expansive vineyards. It has achieved an elevated status as Argentina's largest and most-awarded winery. The Wine Group—one of the world's largest wine companies— began distributing Trapiche wines in the U.S. in 2012. Argentina's Adored and Adorned Wines