2006 Viña Cobos Bramare "Marchiori Vineyard" Malbec Mendoza

96-99 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The Bramare 'Marchiori Vineyard' wines are from 100% estate grown fruit located in Lujan de Cuyo. The 2006 Bramare Malbec 'Marchiori Vineyard,' tasted from a barrel sample (the wine should be bottled by the time subscribers are reading this note), is even better than the 2005. Vintage conditions were ideal and, for the first time, Hobbs stopped irrigation 12 weeks before harvest, most unusual in Mendoza's arid conditions. There was better natural acidity with little acidulation required. The wine offers more flavor complexity, vibrancy, and aromatic lift, and sensational length.The Bramare series is sourced from Lujan de Cuyo, a prime zone in Mendoza. Some of the fruit is from Cobos's estate vineyard, the balance from contracted fruit. The wines at this level receive more oak, longer macerations, and wild fermentations." (12/07) 92 points Wine Spectator: "Exotic and concentrated, with very lush fig sauce, blackberry and boysenberry fruit layered with alluring mocha and bittersweet cocoa notes. The long, fruit-driven finish has enough buried acidity for balance. For the hedonist crowd. Drink now through 2011." (12/08) 90 points Stephen Tanzer: "Bright, saturated ruby. Reticent aromas of blackberry, violet, licorice and sexy oak. Suave and nicely detailed, with sweet flavors of ripe black raspberry and chocolate..." (Jan/Feb '09) ETA: Early Sept 2009.