Bramare 'Marchiori Vyd' Chardonnay 2007

Robert Parker 92
"The 2007 Bramare Chardonnay has more obvious oak in light of the fact that it was aged in 50% new French barrels for 11 months. The nose also reveals tropical fruits, vanilla, white peach, and mineral notes. Plush on the palate, it has superior depth, layered flavors, and outstanding length. Drink it over the next four years.

Vina Cobos is Paul Hobbs winery in Mendoza. He is better known (at least for the moment) to USA connoisseur/collectors for his namesake winery in Napa Valley which has received many accolades (including 100-point scores from Robert Parker) for its Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays. What is less well known is that Hobbs is a pioneer in fine wine production in Argentina, having started there in 1988 with Nicolas Catena. Senor Catena gives Hobbs much credit for the success of Catena-Zapatas Chardonnay program. He has since extended his consulting efforts both in Argentina and Chile but the capstone of Hobbs work is Vina Cobos which began in 1998 and moved into its own winery facility in 2007. The first vintage of the top-of-the-line Cobos Malbec Marchiori Vineyard was 1998 but it was ruined by rain and never sold in the USA. 2000 and 2001 were not up to par, 2000 being the El Nino year and 2001 being too dilute, resulting in their declassification."