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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Trapiche Gran Medalla Chardonnaytext
89POINTS
16¼/20

Trapiche Gran Medalla Chardonnay 2015

Valle de Uco, Tunuyán, Central Region, Mendoza, ArgentinaGran Medalla was introduced to celebrate the winery's 125th anniversary, and remains a benchmark wine of the estate. Some of the highest vineyards in the world are found in Argentina, so it's always a wonder to me that people are surprised to find fresh whites and reds. This vineyard, in Los Árboles, Uco Valley, Mendoza, is at 1236 meters above sea level, on sandy, calcium-carbonate studded soils, so you can imagine the brightness found inherently. Fermented with native yeasts, this was whole bunch pressed and split between French barrel and concrete (eggs and vats) for fermentation and nine months on the lees (twice weekly battonage) before being blended and returned to bottle for at least one year prior to release. The ample battonage slows on the weight of the palate, with thick lees bedding ripe pear, cashew, perfumed lemon curd. Juicy throughout, to a lemony finish. A powerful, stately chardonnay in an older style. I'd love to see less battonage and lighter wood use to really let this special site shine.Tasted: 04 November 2017Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:
MB$26.00750ml 
PEI$33.00750ml 
BC$23.99750mlestimated retail
Producer: TrapicheDistributors: Dandurand
Grape: ChardonnayUPC: 7790240042405