Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2022 Malbec Zingaretti Estate Villa Bastias comes from a cold site near Tupungato, the vines growing at Zingaretti sit in cobble, stony soils and lighter clay and are more than 90 years old, own-rooted and drip-irrigated. Tight-grained tannins wrap around a full-bodied density of blue fruit and light oak spice. The area used to be known for growing cherries and there's a hint of its past here. The violet floral notes are lovely. Drink now through 2042.
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James Suckling
This shows bright blackberries on the nose. The palate is full-bodied yet subdued and highly refined with velvety tannins and graceful fruit. Structured and precise despite its voluptuous profile. Sourced from an old vineyard planted in 1930. Drink now or hold.
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Wine Enthusiast
A subtle potpourri of dried herbs and ripe red berries leads on the nose. Luscious blueberries and plums blend with hints of dark chocolate. The wine showcases a good balance of fruit, green notes, and spice, held together by smooth tannins and optimal acidity. A mocha finish completes its character.
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Wine Spectator
A bit brawny in style, with a toothsome texture to the concentrated flavors of cherry, plum and kirsch, flanked by loam, roasted herb and molasses notes. Finishes with hints of cocoa bean around ripe tannins. Drink now through 2035.
Viña Cobos makes wines that are authentic expressions of the terroir from which they come. Paul Hobbs, founding partner and winemaker at Viña Cobos, has worked since 1988 in the exploration of the different terroirs of Mendoza, looking for the most distinguished regions in Luján de Cuyo and the Valle de Uco, to produce wines that uniquely express their origins.
Sustainable farming methods in the vineyard contribute to consistent yields of healthy fruit. In the winery, careful treatment of the grapes and meticulous winemaking techniques result in complex and elegant wines of subtlety and balance.
With the inaugural vintage of Cobos Malbec in 1999, Viña Cobos marked a milestone in viticulture, defying existing standards and firmly positioned Malbec and Argentina on the international wine scene. Since then, our prestigious wines have been recognized around the globe by critics and consumers alike.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
With a winning combination of cool weather, high elevation and well-draining alluvial soils, it is no surprise that Mendoza’s Uco Valley is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in Argentina. Healthy, easy-to-manage vines produce low yields of high-quality fruit, which in turn create flavorful, full-bodied wines with generous acidity.
This is the source of some of the best Malbec in Mendoza, which can range from value-priced to ultra-premium. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay also perform well here.