Viña Cobos, Bramare Appellation Malbec, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, 2021

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

Luján de Cuyo, is known historically as the ‘prime zone’ for wine-growing in Mendoza, situated at a high altitude of 3,250 to 3,470 feet (990 to 1,060 meters) and in a semi-desert climate, the low-nutrient gravelly soils provide ideal conditions for producing high quality grapes. Hand harvested.

Winemaking

Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, with a small percentage of first-use barrels. Each batch is harvested and elaborated separately to define the final cut after aging. Bottled unfined.

Oak Ageing

Time: 18 Months
Type: French
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: 20

Tasting Note

Deep ruby red colour with purple tones. Aromas of red and black fruit with hints of sweet spices.On the palate it has concentration and sweet rounded tannins. Long finish.

Food Matching

A succulent wine made to be drunk with succulent meat like a slowroasted leg of lamb.

Awards

James Suckling 94 Points
A tight and beautiful wine with sliced berries, chocolate, hazelnut, and bitter chocolate. Medium body. Medium chewy fruit and a chocolate, walnut and stone finish. Needs time to open. Drink after 2024. 94 Points, JS, March 2023.
Vinous 93 Points
The 2021 Malbec Bramare Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, with 22% of them being new. Purple in color, this complex wine presents cedar and plum notes, accompanied by menthol and white pepper hints. Dry, plush and bold, the generous palate flows smoothly with a creamy texture, leading to a lasting fruit finish. It’s rich red with the muscular yet supple mouthfeel characteristic of Luján de Cuyo. 93 Points, JH, February 2024.