2012 Cobos Bramare VD Malbec Marchiori Vineyard Mendoza

Clay and alluvial soils and old vines: this is a correspondingly broad, almost opulent style of Malbec with plenty of colour, well integrated oak, succulent brambly fruit and an undertone of salty minerality. Very attractive. Drink: 2016-20.

There are two varietals form the Marchiori Vineyard in the Bramare line, starting with the 2012 Bramare Malbec Marchiori Vineyard. This is a perfumed, ripe and well-oaked Malbec sourced from some 50-year-old vines in Perdriel in the Luján de Cuyo zone of Mendoza. The ripe, concentrated fruit seems to have taken the oak quite well and it feels quite integrated. There are lots of violets and also some orange-peel aromas. The creamy oak is quite evident now, and it might need a little more time. The palate is full-bodied, with sophisticated, buttery tannins and moderate acidity. Ripe ad heady, but it would be much better with a little more freshness.

Full ruby-red color. Musky aromas of dark cherry, currant, menthol, rose petal and violet are complicated by strong soil tones. Voluptuous, deep and sweet but with terrific energy and verve to the seamless flavors of black raspberry, brown spices and chocolate. Wonderfully seamless, long wine with noble, slowly building tannins. As sexy as this beauty is today, I'd give it four years in the cellar to burn off some of its baby fat.

Toasty woodsmoke aromas are matched by wild berry, cassis, cherry and marshmallow scents on the nose of this huge Malbec. Creamy feeling but also inky and fully concentrated, this tastes like black cherry and cough drops. Candied ripeness carries onto the finish along with chocolate and dry spice flavors. Drink through 2022.

Raspberry ganache, dark plum and Asian spice flavors dominate this full-bodied and luscious style. Presents smoky notes midpalate, with a long, dense finish that offers some meaty accents. Drink now through 2019.