Description

Score: 96 pts - James Suckling | 95 pts - Vinous | 94 pts - Jeb Dunnuck | 93 pts - Robert Parker | 93 pts - Wine Spectator | 93 pts - Wine Enthusiast

Viña Cobos Vinculum Malbec 2021 is the Malbec with which Viña Cobos, the Mendoza winery founded by Paul Hobbs, celebrates its bond with its growers: vinculum is Latin for a bond or link. The 2021 is a parcel selection from top growers' vineyards in La Consulta, Los Arbolitos, Villa Bastías and Gualtallary, in the Uco Valley, at 1,100 to 1,200 meters, on stony, calcareous alluvial soils with excellent drainage. A cool season allowed slow, even ripening. The grapes were hand-harvested with shears, fermented in stainless steel and aged for 18 months in French oak, 30% new, before being bottled unfined in November 2022.

"Deep, inky violet in the glass, it opens with pure tart cherry, layered spices and dark chocolate. The palate is elegant and full of energy, with a textured, balanced feel held together by firm, tight tannins."

Technical Sheet

• Winery: Viña Cobos

• Score: 96 pts - James Suckling | 95 pts - Vinous | 94 pts - Jeb Dunnuck | 93 pts - Robert Parker | 93 pts - Wine Spectator | 93 pts - Wine Enthusiast

• Type: Red Wine

• Varietal: Malbec

• Blend: 100% Malbec

• Vintage: 2021

• Region: La Consulta, Los Arbolitos, Villa Bastías and Gualtallary, Valle de Uco, Mendoza

• Altitude: 1,100–1,200 m (3,600–3,940 ft) a.s.l.

• Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels, 30% new; bottled unfined

• Winemaker: Paul Hobbs

• Alcohol: 14.9%

• Country: Argentina