Peter - Wine Specialist, Pasadena
Is anyone up for a wine tango? If so, wines from the Argentine high-altitude vineyards such as those from Lujan de Cujo and Valle de Uco will certainly put a bounce in your dance steps! These vines are notorious for producing wines with very strong character, likely reminiscent of a powerful prehistoric "cocodrilo" or crocodile. The winery itself, Vina Cobos, chooses as its mission to highlight the potential of each grape varietal blended into the Corte blend exemplified here, one aged in high quality French Oak barrels. The Corte is a specific line of Bordeaux-style Reds produced by Paul Hobbs, such as the 2022, with 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, and 1% Syrah.
This wine needs to breathe. But, as she does, she reveals her soft supple side undergirded by all of the power unleashed by the Andean terroir. She looks like a luscious, deep purple Malbec. However, she has the fuller body of a sexy, curvy Cabernet Sauvignon / Cabernet Franc blend. The splash of Syrah embellishes her dignity and charm, for she is quite a lady of the night!
With a dancing partner like this one, replete with rose stem in her mouth, one will satisfy her longing for completion and perfection with an Argentine or Brazilian churrasco. Her tannins are gentile, and accentuate the long finish, uncharacteristic of a wine at this price point. Autumnal or Winter Stews and Holiday Roasts will also dance well with this beauty.
At 93 points by James Suckling, the wine offers aromatics of ripe blueberries, sweet plums, soft spices, peppery notes and hints of graphite, cedar, and cigar box on the nose. The palate leans toward dark black cherries, kirsch, a bit of umami, and subtle savory notes. Although it is a medium-bodied wine, it has both firm, yet not overpowering tannins and a nice long finish.
Structurally well integrated with a lively and solid through line of acidity, She is a robust, hearty, and sophisticated dance partner! This is a perfect wine to enjoy with family and friends during the Holidays, guaranteed to bring more magic to the already magical Holiday season!
