The first Cabernet Franc I tasted from Viña Cobos comes from their new flagship vineyard in Los Árboles, in Tunuyán. The 2015 Bramare Cabernet Franc Chañares Estate comes from a small plot with more balance, revealing a characteristic varietal profile, clean, pure and precise, with good ripeness despite the high altitude (the vines are planted at some 1,200 meters in altitude). The grapes are hand-harvested very early in the morning, and the destemmed grapes fermented in small stainless steel vats with neutral yeast. The wine matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, some 65% new. It's spicy and a little smoky, with a creamy touch, perhaps from the barrels. They wanted a Cabernet Franc with identity and waited until they had a wine they were happy with. Stylistically, this is closer to something from Saint-Émilion than from the Loire Valley.

Saucy herbal aromas are similar to an oregano-rich spaghetti sauce, but don't let that be a turnoff. On the palate, this Uco Valley Cab Franc is round, full and balanced by good acidity. Flavors of baked plum, chocolate and nutmeg finish with creamy weight and minty notes. Drink through 2024.