Viña Cobos, Felino Malbec, Luján de Cuyo & Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, 2022

Producer Profile

In 1989, Paul Hobbs visited Mendoza for the first time. Driving over the Andes from Chile with his longstanding friend Jorge Catena, brother of the famous Nicolas Catena, he fell in love with the place, the people, but also with the potential to make great wine.

He began experimenting with wild fermented Chardonnay and then with the variety that would become Argentina's calling card - Malbec. His first 10 barrel vintage of Malbec persuaded the American press of the potential of this grape. Paul established his own winery, Viña Cobos, in 1999 and 20 years later, Paul continues to make wines that are authentic expressions of the terroir from which they come. In an exploration of the different terroirs across Mendoza Paul looks for the most distinguished regions in Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco to produce wines that uniquely express their origins. The winery’s elegant and balanced wines are a result of meticulous vineyard farming and utmost respect for terroir.

Viticulture

Vineyards are in the Valle de Uco (Altamira, La Consulta, Los Arboles, San Pablo) and Luján de Cuyo (Las Compuertas, Perdriel), at an altitude between 2,306- and 3,927-feet. It is a semi-desert climate.

Winemaking

Hand harvested then fermented with selected and native yeasts in 8 and 17 ton closed-top stainless-steel tanks. Aged in American oak barrels for 9 months. Bottled in February. Unfined.

Oak Ageing

Time: 9 Months
Type: French
% wine oaked: 9
% new oak: 9

Tasting Note

A bright and deep red colour with purple tones. Aromas of black fruit such as fresh plum mixed with blueberries and a hint of flora. On the palate the wine is balanced, medium - bodied with a wondefully fresh acidity.

Food Matching

A beautiful accompaniment to any meal, but particularly with a charcuterie board with cheese, stuffed pasta, skirt steak and loin cuts.

Awards

Vinous 91 Points
The 2022 Malbec Felino is 55% from the Uco Valley and 45% from Lujan de Cuyo. Only 7% of the wine was aged for up to six months in barrels. The 2022 has a rich, purple hue. The nose features dark and red fruit, including blackberry, plum and floral and jammy notes. The palate is creamy and expansive, with a juicy, fresh character and plenty of flavors before the lasting, plush, fruity finish. 91 Points, JH, June 2023.