Os vinhos Argentinos, assim como os Chilenos, evoluem a cada dia e também me fascinam cada vez mais. Estamos muito próximos de um grande feriado e achei que seria uma boa idéia trazer os vinhos mais pontuados pelo RP e a Wine Advocate.
Muitas pessoas são contra este tipo de pontuação, acham que acaba criando tendências fortes no mercado, mas, o fato é que, pelo menos na minha opinião, não existe um único vinho desta lista que possa ser chamado de "Médio". São só vinhaços! É claro que podem existir outros vinhos que deveriam estar nesta seleta seleção, mas, os que aqui estão com certeza possuem méritos para estar! Ah, importante ressaltar que esta é uma lista dinâmica podendo, a qualquer momento, ter novos vinhos pontuados.
Quem for para Buenos Aires, Mendoza, ou qualquer outra cidade argentina e tiver a oportunidade de provar algum dos rótulos abaixo não hesite! Não são vinhos baratos, mesmo em seu país de origem, mas são todos sensacionais. E quem for para Santiago não fique chateado! Amanhã traremos a relação dos Chilenos!!!
In Vino Veritas!
Gustavo Kauffman (GK)
2006 Vina Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard
Review by WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)
Rating: 99
Drink 2018 - 2040
According to Hobbs, 2006 was one of the great vintages of his 20 year career in Argentina. The near perfect 2006 Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard is my favorite of this remarkable collection. A glass-coating, saturated opaque purple/black in color, the wine offers up a sexy/kinky bouquet of pain grille, Asian spices, pencil lead, mineral, lavender, blueberry, and black cherry. On the palate there is layer upon layer of savory fruit, spice notes, espresso, and chocolate as well as exquisite balance. The wine’s finish lasts for more than a minute. Try a bottle, bury the rest in your cellar for ten years, and then drink them from 2018 to 2040. Vina Cobos is Paul Hobbs’ winery in Mendoza. He is better known (at least for the moment) to USA connoisseur/collectors for his namesake winery in Napa Valley which has received many accolades (including 100-point scores from Robert Parker) for its Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays. What is less well known is that Hobbs is a pioneer in fine wine production in Argentina, having started there in 1988 with Nicolas Catena. Senor Catena gives Hobbs much credit for the success of Catena-Zapata’s Chardonnay program. He has since extended his consulting efforts both in Argentina and Chile but the capstone of Hobbs’ work is Vina Cobos which began in 1998 and moved into its own winery facility in 2007. The first vintage of the top-of-the-line Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard was 1998 but it was ruined by rain and never sold in the USA. 2000 and 2001 were not up to par, 2000 being the El Nino year and 2001 being too dilute, resulting in their declassification.
2004 Achaval Ferrer Malbec Finca Altamira
Review by WA # , #174 (Dec 2007)
Rating: 98
Drink 2014 - 2035
The glories of Achaval-Ferrer are the limited production single-vineyard Malbecs. Your best chance of tracking down a bottle of a single-vineyard Achaval-Ferrer is the 650 case production of Finca Altamira. The 2004 Finca Altamira comes from 80+ year old vines and received the same oak aging treatment as its two peers. It is opaque purple/black in color with aromas of creosote, scorched earth, wood smoke, espresso, black cherry, and blackberry. Belying its modest 13.9% alcohol, the wine is dense and remarkably rich with flavors of mineral, chocolate, and assorted black fruits emerging on the palate. The wine is splendidly balanced with beautifully integrated oak, tannin, and acidity. It will easily evolve for 10+ years and drink well through 2035. Although Achaval-Ferrer’s wines have virtually no track record, I am confident that they will evolve in the manner of a First Growth Bordeaux. Founded only in 1998, Achaval-Ferrer is already established as one of Argentina’s benchmark wineries. They specialize in single vineyard Malbecs from prime Mendoza sites. Finca Altamira is located in La Consulta in the Uco Valley, 60 miles to the south of Mendoza at 3400 feet elevation and contains 10 acres of densely planted old-vine Malbec. Finca Bella Vista is located in the Pedriel district of Lujan de Cuyo, 15 miles to the south of the city of Mendoza at 3100 feet of elevation, with 18 acres of Malbec planted in 1910 as well as a bit of Merlot and Syrah. Finca Mirador is located in Medrano, 34 miles to the southeast of the city of Mendoza at 2400 feet above sea level, with 12 acres of densely planted Malbec vines averaging 40+ years of age. The winery uses predominantly French oak and bottles without fining or filtration. The winemaker is Roberto Cipresso.
2004 Bodegas Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon Nicolas Catena Zapata
Review by WA # , #174 (Dec 2007)
Rating: 98+
Drink 2018 - 2058
Catena Zapata’s flagship is the Nicolas Catena Zapata, a Cabernet Sauvignon-Malbec blend. The 2004 Nicolas Catena Zapata is composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Malbec. It spent 18 months in 100% new French oak. A saturated black purple in color, it has an aristocratic perfume of pain grille, mineral, espresso, saddle leather, cassis, black currant, and black raspberry. Opulently textured, complex, ripe, and sweet on the palate, it maintains a sense of elegance as well as power. It demands 10-15 years of further cellaring and should still be providing pleasure at age 50. It strikes me as being Argentina’s equivalent of a great vintage of Lafite-Rothschild. When all is said and done, Catena Zapata is the Argentina winery of reference – the standard of excellence for comparing all others. The brilliant, forward-thinking Nicolas Catena remains in charge, with his daughter, Laura, playing an increasingly large role. The Catena Zapata winery is an essential destination for fans of both architecture and wine in Mendoza. It is hard to believe, given the surge in popularity of Malbec in recent years, that Catena Zapata only began exporting Malbec to the United States in 1994.
2005 Bodegas Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon Nicolas Catena Zapata
Review by WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)
Rating: 98
Drink 2015 - 2030
The flagship wines begin with the purple/black-colored 2005 Nicolas Catena Zapata, a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Malbec. The fruit was sourced from four of the estate’s finest high-elevation vineyards, and aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak. The brooding bouquet delivers pain grille, mineral, violet, scorched earth, pepper, espresso, black cherry, and black raspberry aromas leading to a dense, opulent wine with gobs of savory fruit, ripe tannins, terrific concentration, and a 60-second finish. Allow it 6-8 years in the cellar to reveal its full potential and enjoy it from 2015 to 2030. The Catena Zapata portfolio is stunning from entry-level to top-of-the-line. As an aside, during my visit to Catena-Zapata in April, 2008, I tasted many barrel samples of 2006s and 2007s. The components, particularly of the 2006s are astounding; the best is yet to come.
2004 Bodegas Catena Zapata Malbec Catena Zapata Argentino Vineyard
Review by WA # , #174 (Dec 2007)
Rating: 98+
Drink 2007 - 2048
The single-vineyard 2004 Malbec “Argentino Vineyard” spent 17 months in new French oak. Remarkably fragrant and complex aromatically, it offers up aromas of wood smoke, creosote, pepper, clove, black cherry, and blackberry. Made in a similar, elegant style, it is the most structured of the three single vineyard wines, needing a minimum of a decade of additional cellaring. It should easily prove to be a 25-40 year wine. It is an exceptional achievement in Malbec. When all is said and done, Catena Zapata is the Argentina winery of reference – the standard of excellence for comparing all others. The brilliant, forward-thinking Nicolas Catena remains in charge, with his daughter, Laura, playing an increasingly large role. The Catena Zapata winery is an essential destination for fans of both architecture and wine in Mendoza. It is hard to believe, given the surge in popularity of Malbec in recent years, that Catena Zapata only began exporting Malbec to the United States in 1994.
2005 Vina Cobos U Nico Marchiori Vineyard
Review by WA # , #174 (Dec 2007)
Rating: 98+
Drink 2012 - 2030
There is one blended wine in the portfolio called u Nico. The 2005 u Nico is the first vintage of this wine which is to be produced only in top vintages (there will be no 2007). It is composed of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Malbec. It spent 20 months in 100% new Taransaud French oak, was fermented with native yeasts, and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. A saturated purple/black in color, it offers complex notes of pain grille, spice box, leather, tobacco, black currant, and black cherry. Thick and sweet on the palate, flavors of cassis, blackberry, herbs, and mineral emerge followed by a pure, 60-second finish. Give it 5-7 years to evolve in the bottle and drink it through 2030. Vina Cobos is the Argentina winery of the renowned Paul Hobbs, best known for his namesake wines from California’s North Coast. Hobbs began consulting in South America in 1988 and, early on, became involved with Nicholas Catena in the startup of that winery’s Chardonnay program. In 1998 he temporarily left his consulting projects to start Vina Cobos with the first vintage coming in 1999. In 2005 Vina Cobos constructed its own winery. Paul Hobbs is high on the 2005 and 2006 vintages. At first he felt that 2005 was the finest year (along with 1996) since he started working in Argentina, that is until the 2006 vintage rolled around. It was, he says, “a mild, moderate year with no problems.” The Cobos wines have several tiers. The entry level is the Nativo Collection. The wines are mostly varietal with a small amount of blending. The grapes come primarily from the estate’s own vineyards, but there is sourcing from 5-6 other properties. They all receive oak aging, but the focus at this level is on fruit.
2004 Vina Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard
Review by WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)
Rating: 98
Drink 2016 - 2040
The super-expressive 2004 Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard is opaque purple/black in color. Its perfume of toasty oak, mineral, lavender, blueberry, and black cherry is very sexy and leads to a complex, spicy, rich, chewy wine which also manages to combine elegance and power. Its length and superb balance suggest another eight years of cellaring with a drinking window from 2016 to 2040. Vina Cobos is Paul Hobbs’ winery in Mendoza. He is better known (at least for the moment) to USA connoisseur/collectors for his namesake winery in Napa Valley which has received many accolades (including 100-point scores from Robert Parker) for its Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays. What is less well known is that Hobbs is a pioneer in fine wine production in Argentina, having started there in 1988 with Nicolas Catena. Senor Catena gives Hobbs much credit for the success of Catena-Zapata’s Chardonnay program. He has since extended his consulting efforts both in Argentina and Chile but the capstone of Hobbs’ work is Vina Cobos which began in 1998 and moved into its own winery facility in 2007. The first vintage of the top-of-the-line Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard was 1998 but it was ruined by rain and never sold in the USA. 2000 and 2001 were not up to par, 2000 being the El Nino year and 2001 being too dilute, resulting in their declassification.
2005 Vina Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard
Review by WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)
Rating: 98
Drink -
The 2005 Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard reveals a similar personality but with an extra dimension of sweetness and complexity. Vina Cobos is Paul Hobbs’ winery in Mendoza. He is better known (at least for the moment) to USA connoisseur/collectors for his namesake winery in Napa Valley which has received many accolades (including 100-point scores from Robert Parker) for its Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays. What is less well known is that Hobbs is a pioneer in fine wine production in Argentina, having started there in 1988 with Nicolas Catena. Senor Catena gives Hobbs much credit for the success of Catena-Zapata’s Chardonnay program. He has since extended his consulting efforts both in Argentina and Chile but the capstone of Hobbs’ work is Vina Cobos which began in 1998 and moved into its own winery facility in 2007. The first vintage of the top-of-the-line Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard was 1998 but it was ruined by rain and never sold in the USA. 2000 and 2001 were not up to par, 2000 being the El Nino year and 2001 being too dilute, resulting in their declassification. Importer:
2004 Achaval Ferrer Malbec Finca Bella Vista
Review by WA # , #174 (Dec 2007)
Rating: 97
Drink 2017 -
The glories of Achaval-Ferrer are the limited production single-vineyard Malbecs. The 2004 Finca Bella Vista (a mere 65 cases) was sourced from a vineyard planted in 1910. Yields here were also 0.75 tons per acre and the wine was aged for 14 months in 100% new French oak. Purple/black in color, the wine’s aromatics are darker and more brooding. It delivers notes of toasty oak, scorched earth, espresso, black cherry, and blackberry. Although it weighs in at only 13.9% alcohol, the wine presents as thick and hugely extracted with layers of flavor and enough ripe tannin to evolve for another 10-15 years. This beast of a Malbec has a finish lasting well over one minute and is an extraordinary effort. Although Achaval-Ferrer’s wines have virtually no track record, I am confident that they will evolve in the manner of a First Growth Bordeaux. Founded only in 1998, Achaval-Ferrer is already established as one of Argentina’s benchmark wineries. They specialize in single vineyard Malbecs from prime Mendoza sites. Finca Altamira is located in La Consulta in the Uco Valley, 60 miles to the south of Mendoza at 3400 feet elevation and contains 10 acres of densely planted old-vine Malbec. Finca Bella Vista is located in the Pedriel district of Lujan de Cuyo, 15 miles to the south of the city of Mendoza at 3100 feet of elevation, with 18 acres of Malbec planted in 1910 as well as a bit of Merlot and Syrah. Finca Mirador is located in Medrano, 34 miles to the southeast of the city of Mendoza at 2400 feet above sea level, with 12 acres of densely planted Malbec vines averaging 40+ years of age. The winery uses predominantly French oak and bottles without fining or filtration. The winemaker is Roberto Cipresso.
2006 Bodegas Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata
Review by eRobertParker.com # , #184 (Aug 2009)
Rating: 97
Drink -
The 2006 Nicolas Catena Zapata is composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Malbec and spent 26 months in new French oak. It displays a superb perfume of pain grille, spice box, truffle, wild flowers, black cherry, and black currant. Rich, layered, dense, and complex, it, too, combines elegance and power. The wine is structured for the long haul and should easily see its 25th birthday, with 50 not out of the question. There is no track record, and I won’t be around to find out.
2005 Bodegas Catena Zapata Malbec Catena Zapata Argentino Vineyard
Review by WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)
Rating: 97+
Drink 2015 - 2035
The 2005 Malbec Argentino is a blend of the Nicasia and Adrianna Vineyards. As is often the case, the blend is better (although not by much) than either of the individual components. It offers greater complexity both aromatically and on the palate, opulence, great fruit expression, and superb aging potential. Drink this beautifully rendered wine from 2015 to 2035. The Catena Zapata portfolio is stunning from entry-level to top-of-the-line. As an aside, during my visit to Catena-Zapata in April, 2008, I tasted many barrel samples of 2006s and 2007s. The components, particularly of the 2006s are astounding; the best is yet to come.
2004 Bodegas Catena Zapata Malbec Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard
Review by WA # , #174 (Dec 2007)
Rating: 97
Drink 2007 - 2017
The single-vineyard 2004 Malbec “Adrianna Vineyard” from the Gualtallary district is inky purple with aromas of wood smoke, pencil lead, game, black cherry, and blackberry liqueur. Opulent, full-flavored, yet remarkably light on its feet, this medium to full-bodied Malbec is all about pleasure. It will certainly evolve for a decade but is hard to resist now. It is a fine test of one’s ability to defer immediate gratification. When all is said and done, Catena Zapata is the Argentina winery of reference – the standard of excellence for comparing all others. The brilliant, forward-thinking Nicolas Catena remains in charge, with his daughter, Laura, playing an increasingly large role. The Catena Zapata winery is an essential destination for fans of both architecture and wine in Mendoza. It is hard to believe, given the surge in popularity of Malbec in recent years, that Catena Zapata only began exporting Malbec to the United States in 1994.
2005 Bodegas Catena Zapata Malbec Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard
Review by WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)
Rating: 97
Drink 2015 - 2030
The 2005 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard was also aged for 18 months in new French oak. Opaque purple/black, it is more expressive aromatically as well as more structured than the Nicasia cuvee. Opulent on the palate, it is dense and extracted with gobs of spicy black fruits and enough structure to unwind for another 6-8 years. Drink this lengthy effort from 2015 to 2030. The Catena Zapata portfolio is stunning from entry-level to top-of-the-line. As an aside, during my visit to Catena-Zapata in April, 2008, I tasted many barrel samples of 2006s and 2007s. The components, particularly of the 2006s are astounding; the best is yet to come.
2003 Vina Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard
Review by WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)
Rating: 97
Drink 2015 - 2035
According to Hobbs, 2003 was a better growing season than 2002. It was a low yielding vintage due to spring winds. The 2003 Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard offers greater aromatic complexity than its two older siblings. The fragrant bouquet reveals pain grille, pencil lead, spice box, floral notes, blueberry, and black cherry. This leads to a full-bodied, dense, rich wine with a velvety texture that manages to come off as elegant despite its immense size. Ripe, savory black fruits, spice notes, coffee, and chocolate emerge on the palate concealing enough structure for another 6-8 years of evolution. Although it can be enjoyed now, for optimum pleasure drink it between 2015 and 2035. Vina Cobos is Paul Hobbs’ winery in Mendoza. He is better known (at least for the moment) to USA connoisseur/collectors for his namesake winery in Napa Valley which has received many accolades (including 100-point scores from Robert Parker) for its Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays. What is less well known is that Hobbs is a pioneer in fine wine production in Argentina, having started there in 1988 with Nicolas Catena. Senor Catena gives Hobbs much credit for the success of Catena-Zapata’s Chardonnay program. He has since extended his consulting efforts both in Argentina and Chile but the capstone of Hobbs’ work is Vina Cobos which began in 1998 and moved into its own winery facility in 2007. The first vintage of the top-of-the-line Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard was 1998 but it was ruined by rain and never sold in the USA. 2000 and 2001 were not up to par, 2000 being the El Nino year and 2001 being too dilute, resulting in their declassification.
2006 Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira la Consulta
Review by WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)
Rating: 96
Drink 2012 - 2021
The 2006 Finca Altamira is deep crimson-colored with a complex aromatic array of wood smoke, spice box, mineral, espresso, black cherry, and black raspberry. Structured, opulent, and long, it will develop in the cellar for another 3-5 years and provide prime drinking from 2012 to 2021. In a brief period of time, Achaval Ferrer has become one of Argentina’s benchmark wineries. A visit to the winery in April 2008 was eye-opening. They export 85% of their production, 40% to the USA. The newest releases will not disappoint.
2007 Achaval Ferrer Malbec Finca Bella Vista
Review by eRobertParker.com # , #184 (Aug 2009)
Rating: 96
Drink 2013 - 2022
The 2007 Finca Bella Vista is the first bottling of this cuvee since the 2004 vintage because 2005 and 2006 were wiped out by hail. The Bella Vista vineyard was planted in 1910 with yields for this wine at a miniscule 0.75 tons per acre. The wine was aged for 15 months in 100% new French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple, it offers up an alluring bouquet of smoke, scorched earth, incense, violets, black cherry, and blackberry. Medium- to full-bodied, velvety-textured, and surprisingly forward, this voluptuous effort has gobs of layered sweet fruit, earth and spice notes, plenty of concealed fine grained tannin, and a lengthy finish. The temptation will be to drink this hedonistic effort without delay. However, it will reward extended cellaring and should be at its best from 2013 to 2022. Achaval Ferrer makes my short list of Argentina’s top producers of Malbec. My longevity estimates are conservative because these wines have no track record; my experience with wines this impeccably balanced and rich is that they will continue on for 25 years and more. Let’s hope purchasers can muster the patience to cellar some of these wines for the requisite time. I was also shown barrel samples of Achaval Ferrer’s 2008s. They look to be equally promising.
2004 Achaval Ferrer Malbec Finca Mirador
Review by WA # , #174 (Dec 2007)
Rating: 96
Drink 2014 - 2030
The glories of Achaval-Ferrer are the limited production single-vineyard Malbecs. Only 125 cases were made of the 2004 Finca Mirador Malbec. It was produced from minuscule yields of 0.75 tons per acre and was aged for 14 months in 100% new French oak. Dark ruby-colored, it has an enthrallingly exotic nose of pain grille, truffle, wild blueberry, and black cherry. This leads to a medium-bodied, elegant Malbec with lovely, complex flavors, superb balance, and a long, pure finish. It cleverly manages to conceal enough structure for this wine to evolve for 6-8 years and drink well through 2030. Although Achaval-Ferrer’s wines have virtually no track record, I am confident that they will evolve in the manner of a First Growth Bordeaux. Founded only in 1998, Achaval-Ferrer is already established as one of Argentina’s benchmark wineries. They specialize in single vineyard Malbecs from prime Mendoza sites. Finca Altamira is located in La Consulta in the Uco Valley, 60 miles to the south of Mendoza at 3400 feet elevation and contains 10 acres of densely planted old-vine Malbec. Finca Bella Vista is located in the Pedriel district of Lujan de Cuyo, 15 miles to the south of the city of Mendoza at 3100 feet of elevation, with 18 acres of Malbec planted in 1910 as well as a bit of Merlot and Syrah. Finca Mirador is located in Medrano, 34 miles to the southeast of the city of Mendoza at 2400 feet above sea level, with 12 acres of densely planted Malbec vines averaging 40+ years of age. The winery uses predominantly French oak and bottles without fining or filtration. The winemaker is Roberto Cipresso.
2004 Bodega Enrique Foster Firmado
Review by WA # , #174 (Dec 2007)
Rating: 96
Drink 2014 - 2025
The 2004 Firmado is also 100% Malbec sourced from 60 year old vines in Lujan de Cuyo. It was aged in new French oak for 15 months. Opaque purple, it has a superb nose of wood smoke, toasty oak, scorched earth, espresso, black cherry, and blackberry liqueur. Super-rich and opulent, this impressive Malbec manages to be elegant and light on its feet at the same time. It hides enough tannin under its blanket of fruit to permit another 6-8 years of evolution in the bottle. Lengthy and pure, it will provide pleasure through 2025.
2006 Bodegas Catena Zapata Malbec Catena Zapata Argentino Vineyard
Review by eRobertParker.com # , #184 (Aug 2009)
Rating: 96
Drink -
The 2006 Malbec Argentino is a blend of the Nicasia and Adrianna Vineyards with the same elevage. As so often happens, the combination is better than either of the individual components. It is more complex aromatically, seems more opulent, has tons of flavor, and a lengthy, 60-second finish.
2004 Bodegas Catena Zapata Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard
Review by WA # , #174 (Dec 2007)
Rating: 96
Drink 2014 - 2025
The single-vineyard 2004 Malbec “Nicasia Vineyard” is located in the Altamira district of Mendoza. It was aged for 18 months in new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, it exhibits a complex perfume of pain grille, scorched earth, mineral, licorice, blueberry, and black cherry. Thick on the palate, bordering on opulent, it has layers of fruit, silky tannins, and a long, fruit-filled finish. It will age effortlessly for another 6-8 years and provide pleasure through 2025. When all is said and done, Catena Zapata is the Argentina winery of reference – the standard of excellence for comparing all others. The brilliant, forward-thinking Nicolas Catena remains in charge, with his daughter, Laura, playing an increasingly large role. The Catena Zapata winery is an essential destination for fans of both architecture and wine in Mendoza. It is hard to believe, given the surge in popularity of Malbec in recent years, that Catena Zapata only began exporting Malbec to the United States in 1994.
2005 Bodegas Catena Zapata Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard
Review by WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)
Rating: 96
Drink 2013 - 2027
The 2005 Malbec Nicasia Vineyard spent 18 months in 100% new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, it displays an expressive perfume of wood smoke, mineral, scorched earth, allspice, black cherry, and blackberry. On the palate it is full-bodied with gobs of savory fruit, a smooth texture, sweet flavors, and superb depth. It will evolve for 5-7 years and offer prime drinking from 2013 to 2027. The Catena Zapata portfolio is stunning from entry-level to top-of-the-line. As an aside, during my visit to Catena-Zapata in April, 2008, I tasted many barrel samples of 2006s and 2007s. The components, particularly of the 2006s are astounding; the best is yet to come.
2006 Cheval des Andes Cheval des Andes
Review by WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)
Rating: 96
Drink 2015 - 2035
The 2006 Cheval des Andes was bottled in early 2008 but has not yet been released. The 2006 vintage is superb throughout Mendoza and this wine, as in many other bodegas I visited in April 2008, shows off the extra dimension of complexity made possible in an exceptional year. The wine is composed entirely of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a bit more saturated than the 2005 with a splendid perfume of pain grille, mineral, espresso, black cherry, and black raspberry that leaps from the glass. More opulent and layered than the 2005, it also conceals a bit more structure. The finish seems to go on and on. Drink it from 2015 to 2035. (Not yet released) Cheval des Andes is owned by the legendary Saint-Emilion producer, Chateau Cheval Blanc. The wine is sourced from their 50 hectare estate vineyard planted on its own roots in 1929. The first vintage was 1999 and over time the wine has evolved into having a majority of Malbec in the blend. New oak is used for the Cabernet component and one-year-old barrels for the Malbec. Altogether the wine spends 18 months in cask.
2006 Pulenta Estate Pulenta Gran Cabernet Franc Xi
Review by eRobertParker.com # , #184 (Aug 2009)
Rating: 96
Drink 2013 - 2026
The prodigious 2006 Pulenta Gran Cabernet Franc is a glass-staining opaque purple. The aromatics are nearly ethereal with the complexity of a great Saint-Emilion. Exotic spices, wild blueberry, and mineral notes intertwine and mesmerize. Once on the palate, the wine is layered, plush, and voluptuous. The wine’s sweet fruit is perfectly balanced by silky tannin and the finish lasts for over a minute. It will benefit from 4-6 years of cellaring and provide pleasure through 2026. The price makes it a sensational value. Bodegas y Vinedos Hugo y Eduardo Pulenta began their venture in 1991. They still sell grapes to the likes of Catena, Cobos, and Chandon among others. In 2002, 2003, and 2005 they constructed three small winery buildings and current production is at 40-50,000 cases. They began selling in the USA market in 2008 with 20% of their production coming here.
2006 Vina Alicia Brote Negro
Review by eRobertParker.com # , #184 (Aug 2009)
Rating: 96
Drink -
The 2006 Brote Negro is 100% Malbec but of a particular type that the winery believes is a mutation in their 100-year-old Malbec vineyard. These grapes are picked separately after the harvest of the regular Malbec. They are aged in 50% new French oak for 14-16 months. Opaque purple/black in color, it offers up a brooding bouquet of balsam wood, underbrush, lavender, black cherry, and blueberry compote. On the palate notes of licorice, raisins, cinnamon, and raspberry make an appearance. Dense and rich, this full-flavored, totally hedonistic wine is a contender for Argentina’s best Malbec.
2005 Vina Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard
Review by WA # , #174 (Dec 2007)
Rating: 96
Drink 2012 - 2025
The Bramare “Marchiori Vineyard” wines are from 100% estate grown fruit located in Lujan de Cuyo. The 2005 Bramare Malbec “Marchiori Vineyard” received essentially the same oak treatment as the Cabernet. Nearly black in color, it coasts the glass with glycerin. Its super aromas of violets, spice box, cedar, tobacco, espresso, black cherry, and black raspberry leap from the glass. The wine is full-bodied, concentrated, and possesses layers of complex flavors. This hedonistic effort will benefit from at least 4-6 years of cellaring and should drink well through 2025. The Bramare series is sourced from Lujan de Cuyo, a prime zone in Mendoza. Some of the fruit is from Cobos’s estate vineyard, the balance from contracted fruit. The wines at this level receive more oak, longer macerations, and wild fermentations. Vina Cobos is the Argentina winery of the renowned Paul Hobbs, best known for his namesake wines from California’s North Coast. Hobbs began consulting in South America in 1988 and, early on, became involved with Nicholas Catena in the startup of that winery’s Chardonnay program. In 1998 he temporarily left his consulting projects to start Vina Cobos with the first vintage coming in 1999. In 2005 Vina Cobos constructed its own winery. Paul Hobbs is high on the 2005 and 2006 vintages. At first he felt that 2005 was the finest year (along with 1996) since he started working in Argentina, that is until the 2006 vintage rolled around. It was, he says, “a mild, moderate year with no problems.” The Cobos wines have several tiers. The entry level is the Nativo Collection. The wines are mostly varietal with a small amount of blending. The grapes come primarily from the estate’s own vineyards, but there is sourcing from 5-6 other properties. They all receive oak aging, but the focus at this level is on fruit. Importer: Paul
2006 Vina Cobos Bramare Marchiori Vineyard
Review by WA # , #174 (Dec 2007)
Rating: (96-99)
Drink -
The Bramare “Marchiori Vineyard” wines are from 100% estate grown fruit located in Lujan de Cuyo. The 2006 Bramare Malbec “Marchiori Vineyard”, tasted from a barrel sample (the wine should be bottled by the time subscribers are reading this note), is even better than the 2005. Vintage conditions were ideal and, for the first time, Hobbs stopped irrigation 12 weeks before harvest, most unusual in Mendoza’s arid conditions. There was better natural acidity with little acidulation required. The wine offers more flavor complexity, vibrancy, and aromatic lift, and sensational length. The Bramare series is sourced from Lujan de Cuyo, a prime zone in Mendoza. Some of the fruit is from Cobos’s estate vineyard, the balance from contracted fruit. The wines at this level receive more oak, longer macerations, and wild fermentations. Vina Cobos is the Argentina winery of the renowned Paul Hobbs, best known for his namesake wines from California’s North Coast. Hobbs began consulting in South America in 1988 and, early on, became involved with Nicholas Catena in the startup of that winery’s Chardonnay program. In 1998 he temporarily left his consulting projects to start Vina Cobos with the first vintage coming in 1999. In 2005 Vina Cobos constructed its own winery. Paul Hobbs is high on the 2005 and 2006 vintages. At first he felt that 2005 was the finest year (along with 1996) since he started working in Argentina, that is until the 2006 vintage rolled around. It was, he says, “a mild, moderate year with no problems.” The Cobos wines have several tiers. The entry level is the Nativo Collection. The wines are mostly varietal with a small amount of blending. The grapes come primarily from the estate’s own vineyards, but there is sourcing from 5-6 other properties. They all receive oak aging, but the focus at this level is on fruit. Importer: Paul
2006 Vina Cobos U Nico Marchiori Vineyard
Review by WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)
Rating: 96
Drink 2013 - 2026
The 2006 uNico Marchiori Vineyard is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Malbec. Opaque purple-colored, aromatically it has the complexity that a great vintage can provide. Notes of pain grille, crushed stone, lavender, black cherry, blackberry liqueur, and fruit compote are exquisite. On the palate, the wine is opulent, dense, intensely flavored, and lengthy. It will continue to evolve for another 4-6 years and offer prime drinking from 2013 to 2026. Vina Cobos is Paul Hobbs’ winery in Mendoza. He is better known (at least for the moment) to USA connoisseur/collectors for his namesake winery in Napa Valley which has received many accolades (including 100-point scores from Robert Parker) for its Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays. What is less well known is that Hobbs is a pioneer in fine wine production in Argentina, having started there in 1988 with Nicolas Catena. Senor Catena gives Hobbs much credit for the success of Catena-Zapata’s Chardonnay program. He has since extended his consulting efforts both in Argentina and Chile but the capstone of Hobbs’ work is Vina Cobos which began in 1998 and moved into its own winery facility in 2007. The first vintage of the top-of-the-line Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard was 1998 but it was ruined by rain and never sold in the USA. 2000 and 2001 were not up to par, 2000 being the El Nino year and 2001 being too dilute, resulting in their declassification.
2002 Vina Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard
Review by WA # , #180 (Dec 2008)
Rating: 96
Drink 2008 - 2035
The 2002 Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard was picked the morning after a heavy rain flooded the vineyard but it was nonetheless a great growing season. The wine is a glass-coating purple in color, thick and rich in appearance. The aromatic array includes smoke, mineral, violets, plums, blackberry, and black cherry along with a slight baked character that was also present in a second bottle. On the palate the wine exudes power in its layered, opulent personality. Attractive spice notes emerge along with hints of espresso and chocolate. The lengthy finish is loaded with fruit and the wine’s superb balance suggests at least a decade of further evolution and a drinking window that should remain open through 2035. Vina Cobos is Paul Hobbs’ winery in Mendoza. He is better known (at least for the moment) to USA connoisseur/collectors for his namesake winery in Napa Valley which has received many accolades (including 100-point scores from Robert Parker) for its Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays. What is less well known is that Hobbs is a pioneer in fine wine production in Argentina, having started there in 1988 with Nicolas Catena. Senor Catena gives Hobbs much credit for the success of Catena-Zapata’s Chardonnay program. He has since extended his consulting efforts both in Argentina and Chile but the capstone of Hobbs’ work is Vina Cobos which began in 1998 and moved into its own winery facility in 2007. The first vintage of the top-of-the-line Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard was 1998 but it was ruined by rain and never sold in the USA. 2000 and 2001 were not up to par, 2000 being the El Nino year and 2001 being too dilute, resulting in their declassification.
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