Casas del Bosque La Trampa 2023
Deep violet in color with subtle blue reflections. Malbec takes on an increasingly prominent role, reaching 32% of the final blend. With its floral notes (violet, lavender), this Malbec—planted on red granite slopes under the cool conditions of Las Dichas—lifts the aromatic profile of the wine, adding structure without heaviness.
Syrah plays an important role, both complementing the aromatic expression with notes of blackberry, black pepper, and savory meat tones, and contributing length and persistence on the palate. Pinot Noir remains the component that refines the overall balance, its lightness offsetting the intensity of the Syrah and Malbec.
Aging in French oak barrels allowed for excellent evolution of phenolic compounds, while the use of concrete helped preserve the fresh, primary aromatic character of the varieties.
La Trampa 2023 is even more ethereal and lifted, seeking a style far removed from opulence. In a warm vintage, the key was an earlier harvest to highlight acidity, tension, and aromatics, avoiding heavier, sweeter sensations. The wine continues to evolve in the glass, offering new nuances over time. It is best enjoyed relatively young with slight aeration, though it is likely to reach its peak in 4–6 years.
97 Points – Descorchados
95 Points – The Wine Enthusiast
The grapes for this wine come from select blocks in the “La Trampa” sector, a north-facing slope overlooking the Casablanca Valley. The vines were planted in 1999 (Pinot Noir), 2002 (Syrah) and 2013 (Malbec) on red granite soils. Yields average 3 tons per hectare (1.2 US tons per acre). The season saw spring frosts that reduced yields, followed by a warm summer with high solar radiation that led to earlier ripening. Pinot Noir and Malbec were harvested mid-March, with Syrah following in mid-April.
After harvest, the grapes were destemmed and cold soaked for two days without sulfites, using non-fermentative yeast for microbial control. Alcoholic fermentation took place in truncated cone-shaped concrete tanks with selected yeasts, with the Syrah undergoing a 10-day post-fermentation maceration. Blending took place at the end of November 2024. The wine was clarified with inactivated yeast, then filtered and bottled. After 10 months of bottle aging, it was released, with total production reaching 700 cases.
Can a cool climate region such as Casablanca Valley produce a serious, world-class red wine? Casas del Bosque firmly believes so, which is why it launched La Trampa. This slightly unconventional blend of Syrah, Malbec and Pinot Noir is now on its fifth release with the 2023 vintage, with each grape fulfilling a very specific purpose. Syrah (65%) constitutes the backbone of the blend, providing color, tannic structure and concentration. Malbec (32%) imparts a floral layer as well as red fruit to the wine, with Pinot Noir (3%) adding to the overall acidity and elegance. The result is a complex and layered wine where aromas, flavors and textures are carefully worked in order to show the true potential of the site.
