The Bramare appellation wines start with the 2009 Bramare Malbec Valle de Uco. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it exhibits a fragrant perfume of wood smoke, spice box, incense, lavender, and black cherry. In the glass it reveals enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years, superb concentration, succulent flavors, and a sense of elegance. This lengthy effort can be approached now but will reward a few years of cellaring. Vina Cobos is a partnership between Paul Hobbs, Andrea Marchiori, and Luis Barraud. The new releases are further confirmation that Vina Cobos is one of Argentina’s great producers. The Felino label has for a number of years been synonymous with value.Importer: Paul Hobbs Imports, Sebastopol, CA; tel. (707) 824-9879

Concentrated and lightly spiced, with layered flavors of blackberry, cassis and plum pudding. Bright acidity drives the long finish, which lingers with an aftertaste of tar and smoke. Drink now through 2013. 3,438 cases made.??–JM??Region: Argentina / Mendoza / Luján de Cuyo Select to Add