So we got our dates crossed. We actually meant to have a day of 'rest' in Mendoza on Friday the 12th but since Vina Cobos was in Lujan de Cuyo (only a 25 minute drive), we opted to go ahead and do a quick visit. Glad we did. Not a great tasting and you won't see a lot of color on this one but I think it was important for us to do this particular visit.
Our story with Vina Cobos dates back to the 2002 Cobos Malbec (they also produce Nico which is a blend) vintage. When we were first really ramping up our cellar this was one of the early 'big' purchases. At the time, this wine was retailing for $75 a bottle. I think Glenn (brother in law) got a great deal through the Wine Library (www.winelibrary.com) for $65 a bottle. If I recall, he had either tasted this wine or his friend Arturo (yes, an Argentine) mentioned it... Anyway, we ended up with a case in the cellar. In fact, we have yet to drink a bottle of it (note to self - DRINK some now or sell it). Why did I say sell it? Current releases of this wine retail for $175 a bottle. In fact, the reason we only have one vintage in our cellar is because the 2003 jumped up to $125 a bottle. Not something we were willing to pay for a varietal that we really knew nothing about. Would I buy it today. Bottomline, NO! Not because it is a bad wine. I suspect that it is good but there are too many good (even great) age worthy wines coming from Argentina in the $40-$50 range.
In my mind, the Vina Cobos story is one about marketing and brand name recognition. They are not the only one here in Argentina or around the world. The power of a strong brand name is a differentiator and this applies to the wine industry as well.
Vina Cobos produces four labels: Felino (basico), Bramare Lujan de Cuyo, Bramare Marchiori, and Cobos. They offer Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a blend. For our tasting we were introduced to the Felino and Bramare Lujan de Cuyo lines.
The facility is small and in the process of expanding. In fact, they have no formal tasting room and have just started to concentrate on the hospitality part of it. They hired Marianna Cerutti from Carlos Pulenta to target this area. They do not own many vineyards but instead focus on cooperative farming (farm management) to source from select vineyards.
No Picture (see your local Costco for Felino) - Chardonnay and Malbec were both marginal in structure and complexity. I would not buy these over the others we have covered in the USD10-20 range. You are in effect only buying the name so why bother.
Cabernet Sauvignon - The Bramare Lujan de Cuyo is their newest label and it was introduced to target the middle market. Effectively, looking to capture the USD30-40 range. At this price, stick with the good stuff from Angelica Zapata, Mendel, or Andeluna. Or even Azul (more in this in the upcoming Vines of Mendoza blog). Our notes, basically, a tight and acidic wine. I thought it was green at the end and did not posses much body/structure. This could be because it was young.
Recap
Winery
Vina Cobos - A Paul Hobbs joint, Cooperative Farming, Only if you have time
Wines
2008 Felino Chardonnay, QPR Low, USD15
2008 Felino Malbec, QPR Low, USD15
2007 Bramare Lujan de Cuyo Cabernet Sauvignon, QPR Low, USD35
Wines we bought to drink
Nothing
Contact
marianacerutti@vinacobos.com
www.vinacobos.com
