After 3 weeks of trying to get the group together for some paella, we finally succeeded in meshing schedules last night and met up at Ralph's restaurant for paella, callos, longganiza (Filipino style chorizo), and sopa de mariscos.
We were supposed to wait for Johnny to get back from his trip to Oz before trying any more Trapiche single-vineyard Malbec but the temptation was too great so these two bottles made an appearance.
Trapiche Victorio Coletto Single Vineyard Malbec 2004 - Very dark. Espresso nose. Chocolate and spice. Slightly hot. The acid seems to stand out in this wine. It's noticeably lighter and brighter than the Pedro Gonzalez because of the acid. Full and long. Good wine and probably an easier drink and match with food than the Pedro Gonzalez.
Trapiche Pedro Gonzalez Single Vineyard Malbec 2004 - My second time to try this in about a month. A more interesting experience as I was able to compare it to the Victorio Coletto. The nose reminded me of soy sauce with a sweet fruit overlay. In the mouth, very full, crushed fruit, raspberry syrup. The smoky, leathery character I found in the earlier taste are still there but the fruit is showing more in this bottle. Very complex and showing much better and more forward than the bottle at the Parillada about a month ago. The finish has a lot going on - caramel, chocolate, and finally dried tea leaves.
Not content with the wine, several tequila samples were also on hand for those who required stronger stuff.
German wine night tomorrow at Sofitel so stay tuned.