In 1989, Paul Hobbs visited Mendoza for the first time. Driving over the Andes from Chile with his longstanding friend Jorge Catena, brother of the famous Nicolas Catena, he fell in love with the place, the people, but also with the potential to make great wine.

He began experimenting with wild fermented Chardonnay and then with the variety that would become Argentina’s calling card – Malbec. His first 10 barrel vintage of Malbec persuaded the American press of the potential of this grape. Paul established his own winery, Via Cobos, in 1999 and 20 years later, Paul continues to make wines that are authentic expressions of the terroir from which they come. In an exploration of the different terroirs across Mendoza Paul looks for the most distinguished regions in Lujn de Cuyo and Valle de Uco to produce wines that uniquely express their origins. The winerys elegant and balanced wines are a result of meticulous vineyard farming and utmost respect for terroir.

Vineyards

Lujn de Cuyo, is known historically as the traditional prime zone for wine-growing in Mendoza. Its high elevation location (3,250 to 3,470 ft), in combination with a semi-desert climate and low-nutrient gravelly soils provide ideal conditions for cultivation of high quality fruit.

Vinification

Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 20% in first use. Bottled unfined.

Tasting Notes

Ruby red with dark tones. Aromas of pink pepper, black fruit and spices. In the mouth it has sweet and juicy tannins, balanced acidity, concentration and a long finish.

Steak made with crushed black peppercorns, blue cheese and desserts with red fruits are all good matches for this.