Vina Cobos Malbec 'Cobos' 2020

Introduction

This red wine originates from Argentina, produced in the Mendoza region, specifically from distinguished vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. Viña Cobos was founded in 1999 by the world-renowned winemaker Paul Hobbs, who is often credited with pioneering the global rise of premium Argentine Malbec. The 'Cobos' label represents the winery's pinnacle flagship brand, reflecting a winemaking philosophy that combines intense study of Grand Cru sites with meticulous craftsmanship to produce a refined and powerful icon of the region.

Wine Description

The Viña Cobos Malbec 'Cobos' 2020 exhibits a brilliant inky appearance with a vibrant violet hue. The nose is multifaceted and intense, offering aromas of ripe gooseberry, fig, and rosemary, alongside deep notes of blackberry, red liquorice, and floral hints of lilac and lavender. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and well-structured, delivering a concentrated core of dark fruit, redcurrant, and blueberry. It is characterized by its tension and energy, featuring tight, chalky tannins and a long, fine-grained finish with subtle mineral and salty undertones. This 100% Malbec has an ABV of 15% and was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, with 59% being new wood. The wine is not certified organic, and its optimal drinking window is from 2024 through 2042.

Accolades

• James Suckling - 95 points.

• Vinous - 94 points.

• Wine Spectator - 91 points.

Food Pairing

The robust structure and rich fruit density of this Malbec make it an ideal companion for high-quality meat dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled hanger steak served with chimichurri, braised short-rib in a Malbec reduction, or lamb chops with rosemary. The wine's complexity also complements savoury starters such as charcuterie featuring dry-cured jambon de Bayonne, and it is a classic match for aged cheeses like Mimolette or Parmigiano.

Vintage Quality

The 2020 season in Mendoza was marked by a significantly warm climate, resulting in the earliest harvest in the region's history. Despite the heat and a general lack of water, strategic harvest planning ensured the fruit remained exceptionally healthy, providing wines with great balance, freshness, and a high concentration of flavour.