Vina Cobos Malbec 2019 750ml

A compact and polished Cobos with lots of dark fruit, as well as green olives, flowers and stems. Raspberries and forest fruit, too. Full-bodied, very tight and compressed. Melted tannins give great presence and mouth-feel, but the feeling is that they are invisible. It goes on for minutes. Sensational. So sophisticated and thoughtful. An archetypal malbec from Argentina. Better after 2027.

The 2019 Cobos is 71% from the Uco Valley and 29% from Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza and was 61% aged in new French oak. Intense purple in color. It offers the best of both terroirs: ripe plum, white pepper and a pinch of sweet spices from Luján; violets, lavender and cherries from Uco are present over a refined bed of aromas from the aging process such as cedar and sandalwood. The same equation is repeated in the mouth, where it's creamy and voluminous, but also delivers a refreshing energy and an elegant, fairly taut texture. The lingering finish combines all these qualities with a rewarding flourish. Setting a benchmark for Malbec, it shouldn't be drunk for at least three years, when it will have evolved even greater nuance and character.

Vivid purple in the glass, dark chocolate, plum and blackcurrants - quite a savoury edge with floral touches too. Smooth, supple, generous and so delicious. This has crunchy fruit, lively and vibrant with a smooth texture and such great definition of blue and red fruits - blueberries, raspberries and figs. Tannins are finessed with good oak integration giving a hint of spice on the finish. Feels expressive and stylish - still very youthful, it's structured and chiselled yet direct and penetrating. Such purity of expression with excellent acidity - this has an electrifying lifeforce that leaves you wanting more! A worthy addition to the Place de Bordeaux this year. You could drink now but you'll be rewarded by waiting at least five years. The 2019 is a 'textbook vintage' said Paul Hobbs, this is the result of eight individual vinifications that start with a cold maceration before fermenting (25% whole cluster) with indigenous yeasts in tanks. Malolactic happens in barrels before ageing 18 months in French oak (61% new), 225l and 500l.

An engaging red that offers elegance and power, with mace, mineral and wild thyme accents to the lush and persistent raspberry and blackberry flavors, which fan out around lively mineral acidity and linger around suave tannins and a note of cocoa powder. Drink now through 2032. 850 cases made, 100 cases imported.

The 2019 Malbec is made by Paul Hobbs from Sonoma and Napa. A very deep garnet color, it spills out of the glass with gregarious notes of stewed black plums, boysenberry preserves, cedar chest, and vanilla pod, plus wafts of blueberry pie and cinnamon toast. The full-bodied palate is chock full of exuberant, juicy black fruits, supported by plush tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and spicy.