2017 Felino Malbec
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Tasting notes
Viña Cobos, the esteemed winery founded in 1998, was the first Argentine estate to receive perfect scores and the utmost praise from the likes of Robert Parker and James Suckling. Viña Cobos’ single varietal Malbecs are the brainchild of Paul Hobbs, arguably one of the most influential and experienced winemakers of the modern era. Following his pioneering consultancy at Catena Zapata (which saw him introduce the single varietal Malbec as a commercial proposition to the Argentine wine industry), he established Viña Cobos to push the quality level of the Malbec varietal to its highest potential. The concentration and purity of fruit for a wine at this price point is fantastic. Bursting with black plum, blueberry and mulberry fruits, with very soft, silky tannins. Fantastic freshness and vibrantly fruit-driven, with just 10% matured in new French oak. Ready to drink on release.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Healthy dark red. Slightly syrupy aromas of blackberry, red cherry, licorice and spices. Sweet, pliant and easygoing, showing moderate concentration but a satisfyingly plump, mouthfilling texture. A bit medicinal in a black cherry and menthol way but also conveys sexy sweetness and the tannins avoid coming off as dry. Finishes with rising berry persistence and good thrust.
A vivid and linear wine with blackberry and blueberry character. Granite. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Drink now
I also tasted the just-bottled 2017 Felino Malbec, of which a whopping 651,000 bottles have been produced. They increased the percentage of French oak and reduced the use of American oak a bit, and the wood seems better integrated, neatly folded into the fruit. It felt a little closed (it was just bottled), and I sensed the difference between the cooler 2016 and the riper 2017, but the wine didn't show any excess and felt very balanced and harmonious. At the same time, they are also changing the image, with a cleaner, easier to read label that also reflects the character of the wine. It has very fine tannins and a great mouthfeel. Amazing quality for the volume. It slowly opened up in the glass and didn't stop to grow. In the long run, I think this will be even better than the 2016.
About the producer
Viña Cobos is a pioneering producer in Mendoza, known for being the first Argentinian estate to produce a 100-point wine. Founded and run by star California winemaker Paul Hobbs, Viña Cobos has been instrumental in raising the profile of fine wine in Argentina.