2023 Vina Cobos (Paul Hobbs) - Cocodrilo Corte Mendoza Red Blend (750ml)

Paul Hobbs founded Viña Cobos in 1999 after a decade of exploring Mendoza's varied terroirs, eventually convincing him that Argentina held serious potential for world class winemaking. Trained in chemistry and viticulture at U.C. Davis, Hobbs built his reputation working on the team behind the Opus One collaboration before turning his attention south, where he is now widely credited with elevating Malbec's international standing. Viña Cobos has since grown into one of Mendoza's most respected estates, drawing fruit from select high altitude vineyards across Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley.

Cocodrilo is a Bordeaux style blend built primarily around Cabernet Sauvignon, rounded out with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and a small portion of Petit Verdot. Grapes are sourced from multiple estate blocks split between the cooler Uco Valley and the warmer Luján de Cuyo, a combination meant to balance ripeness with structure. After careful sorting and fermentation, the wine spends over a year in French oak barrels, a portion of it new, allowing the blend's components to integrate before bottling.

The wine opens with dark berries, plum, and baking spice, layered with notes of cedar and a touch of cocoa. On the palate it is full bodied and polished, with velvety tannins and enough acidity to keep the fruit lifted through a long finish. Its structure makes it a fitting companion for grilled steak, braised short ribs, or a well aged hard cheese.