Tres 14 may seem a strange name for a premium, high-altitude, old-vine Malbec from Vista Flores in the Uco Valley. That is, until you realize that Trapiche head winemaker, Daniel Pi's last name is the same as 3.14, which written out = tres 14. Memorable, yeah? Just like the wine made from own-rooted, 20+ year old vines, planted 1000 m up on clay and silty soils. This is a very small lot (garage series) wine that was fermented and aged in second-use French and American oak for nine months. Potent and perfumed wild blackberry, plum laced with heady violets on a silken palate bounded with a stony grip. The wood is eaten up by the fruit, leaving a lingering dose of saltiness and light wood spicing on the finish. Drinking very well now but will continue to age effortlessly for a few years.
The Ambrosia on the label refers to the grower of this Malbec from Gualtallary, Tupungato in Mendoza, reflective of the Terroir Series tier. The tier began in 2003 to honour the Trapiche grape growers. This site is at 1300 m, on calcium carbonate soils, and with own-rooted vines 12 years in age. After native ferment in concrete, this spends 18 months in new French oak barrels, followed by another year in bottle prior to release. Lovely blue fruit, with potent cassis and crunchy, brisk acidity and grippy sides. There's a seasoning of wild thyme that runs throughout, up to dark chocolate and espresso lingering on the lengthy finish. Expressive and long, this drinks very well now but will continue to mature easily for another 7+ years.
Dusty stone, black cherry and raspberry fill the shorter palate of this Malbec/Bonarda/Syrah blend, one floating with perfumed blue fruits (plums, blueberries) and clipped with grippy, dusty tannins. A unique blend, shaped with a veneer of oak and ample coating of black peppercorns. Meant for your mid-week meatballs, well-intended and appreciated.
Dense purple colour; spicy, plum nose with vanilla oak notes; medium-bodied, dry, fruity but firm. An easy drinking wine.
Cool black fruit from a warm place, one freshened with altitude and not hemmed in with oak. There is certainly wood here, but it is only 1/3 new, and partially offset by the altitude of three zones of Uco Valley ranging from 1100 to 1400 miles above sea level: Vistaflores, Gualtallary, and Altamira. Smoked black and red fruits, anise, perfumed wild blueberries, peppercorns, all amply sun-ripened and with the full impact of grainy tannins. Swings of cola are slung across the finish of this warm Malbec, one destined to be best encountered with fire grilled beef.
Ruby-plum in colour. Cedary, spicy, plum and redcurrant nose with a light floral note. Medium-bodied and dry, with fragrant redcurrant and orange peel flavours. Firmly structured with evident but ripe tannins.
Packs good power for a $20 red. Medium-plus body, purple/red colour and loads of plum, blackberry, raspberry, violets, herbs, spice and vanilla. Excellent length and some fine tannins round out the package. Lamb burgers or ratatouille would be delicious with this wine.