Paul Hobbs Vina Cobos Cocodrilo Corte 2023
(Mendoza, Argentina) - [VM 94] [JS 93] [JD 93]

About the Winery:
First hired by Robert Mondavi for his expertise in oak aging, he then joined the Opus One team before moving on to Simi Winery. He founded Paul Hobbs Winery in 1991 and Vina Cobos in 1999 where has been an integral part of the Argentinean wine scene since the late 1980s when he worked with Nicolas Catena. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, Jr., Hobbs continues to be a leading consultant winemaker around the globe, serving as owner and winemaker for seven wineries on four continents. Today, both his daughter Augustina and winemaker Andres Vignoni help to produce the Vina Cobos wines.

About this Wine:
Cocodilo (crocodile) is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend, assembled in a Bordeaux style to complement the fruit, achieving optimal texture and flavor. Originating in higher altitude regions, this wine highlights the potential of each variety from its ageing in French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: Deep ruby red with dark tones. Aromas of sweet spices, roasted red pepper, cloves and dark chocolate. On the palate it is balanced and juicy with sweet tannins and a long finish.

Composition: 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 1% Syrah

Ageing: 15 months in French oak barrels, 14% in first use. Unfined.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Vinous:

The 2023 Cocodrilo is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot, with 60% of the fruit from Luján de Cuyo and 40% from the Uco Valley. It opens with intense black fruit, including blackberry, soft cherry and ripe plum, framed by finely integrated oak. Broad and velvety yet grippy, it fills the mid-palate with depth and concentration and delivers sustained, expressive flavor. This is a delicious, confidently built blend that captures a rich, modern profile for Argentine reds. 2026 - 2038

93 Points - James Suckling:
This shows black and red berries, spices and a touch of cedar on the nose. The palate is round and succulent with plush, polished tannins and voluminous, lustrous dark fruit. Caressing texture and a generous finish. Drink now or hold.

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
 The 2023 Cocodrilo Corte is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot, aged in 14% new oak barrels for 15 months. Most of the Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Lujan de Cuyo, while the Cabernet Franc is from the cooler climes of Valle de Uco. This is an outstanding wine at an outstanding price point, polished with medium-bodied intensity and plenty of punch and length. Drink now through 2033 if not longer.

Global winemaker Paul Hobbs first came to Argentina in 1988 and consulted with Nicolas Catena for many years, helping to start the Alamo label. In 1999, he launched his own wines beginning with Bramare (Italian for to yearn) to understand Mendoza’s terroir and study Malbec as a noble grape. Vina Cobos now makes 17 wines divided into different labels, working with 58 grower partners across the region and farming three estate vineyards, one in Lujan de Cuyo (Hobbs Estate) and the other two in Valle de Uco (Zingaretti and Chanares). (Drink between 2025-2033)