While everyone else at the 2012 Wine Spectator Grand Tasting in Las Vegas was waiting for their one inch tasting of 1999 Chateau Margaux, a few of us decided to forgo the queue in order to chat with the gentlemen serving 2009 Vina Cobos Malbec from Argentina. And having meandered amidst scores of amazing wines, red, white, and sparkling from all over the world, I was taken aback that the taste I had of this wine put the remainder after this particular evening’s line leader.
Why was I surprised? I knew that I loved Malbec from Argentina…its typical rich aromas, deep fruit tastes, and full body are delicious and pair with a variety of foods I crave…and yet I’m a white wine lover! But as I have realized, you can never learn enough about wine and anyone who portends to be an “expert” has some ‘splainin’ to do. Those representing Vina Cobos talked about the terroir, the climate, and the winemaking techniques which make this wine special. I listened then I tasted. Speechless (for once).
**Vina Cobos Malbec Mendoza Marchiori Vineyard 2009 –
- 100% Malbec grapes were handharvested from over eighty year old vines in the Marchiori Vineyard located in Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza Province.
- The soil on this vineyard consists of clay and sandy loam with gravel and stone underneath – perfect for draining.
- The land itself has a semi-desert climate at the foot of the Andes Mountains with over 3000 feet elevation. Despite an early winter, frost occuring immediately after harvest, and a rainy yet moderate spring, the summer was moderate and led to a dry end to the growing season – no typical hailstorms in this area of Mendoza!
- Primary fermentation was in stainless steel tanks and secondary fermentation was in barrel for eight months.
- Barrel aging was in 100% new French oak barrels for eighteen months.
- This wine is unfined and unfiltered and was bottled in January 2011.
- I loved the deep purple color and knew there was something special in the glass!
- Dark fruit and floral aromas were intense…plums, violets, anything purple!!
- Incredibly complex tastes of raspberry, plums, anise, soft and sweet spice blended beautifully with the smooth and rich tannins.
- The finish was long, satisfying, and it just begged me to return for more (which I did, of course!).
- Cost is around $160.00.
While others were still chatting up other winelovers in the queue with hopes to get that taste of Chateau Margaux, I was thrilled to put the 2009 Cobos Malbec as the leader of my line!
Cheers to always learning more about wine and discovering yet another favorite! ~ Cindy
