2012 Vina Cobos, Bramare Lujan de Cuyo, Malbec

Who knew grilled lamb chops accompanied by Granny Smith apple filled ravioli in a beef ragu could taste so good! Well it did, especially when paired with the 2008 Bramare Malbec by Paul Hobbs.
    This past weekend, a group of friends and I ended an annual 75 mile autumn bike race at our favorite country bistro in the Adirondacks. With the temperature dipping below 50 degrees that evening, we were seated in front of a roaring fireplace around a large country table. The food was delicious but the wine was superb!
     Sourced completely from premiere vineyards in the Lujan de Cuyo region of Argentina, Bramare gets its unique qualities from the cold water of the Mendoza River that melts off the Andes Mountains.
    The 2008 Bramare boasts an alluring nose of cedar, tobacco, spice box, cola, and black cherry. This is followed by a full-bodied, layered, smooth-textured wine with gobs of fruit already revealing considerable complexity. The wine has superb depth, concentration, and length, and can be enjoyed now, but should easily last for another decade.
    For the moment, Paul Hobbs is better know to connoisseurs/collectors for his namesake winery in Napa Valley. His Argentinian winery continues to impress with back to back 98+ point single vineyard Malbecs and Cabernets that are some of the finest being produced.
    This full bodied red is a must have for Cabernet and Malbec fans, and for those looking to warm up on these cool autumn nights. Enjoy!