La Posta Cocina Blend is an unfiltered Malbec-dominant red blend from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Built on a collaboration between wine pioneer Laura Catena and veteran winemaker Luis Reginato, this expression carries an average critics score of 87 points and stands out for its unfined, unfiltered bottling — a practice that preserves texture and aromatics most commercial wines sacrifice.Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5% | Origin: Mendoza, Argentina | Red Blend (Malbec, Bonarda, Syrah) | Winery: La PostaProduction & HeritageLa Posta is a joint venture between Laura Catena — whose family has shaped Argentine viticulture for generations — and Luis Reginato, a grower and winemaker rooted in the vineyards of Mendoza. The Cocina Blend combines approximately 60% Malbec, 25% Bonarda, and 15% Syrah, though proportions shift modestly across vintages to reflect each harvest. The wine ages for 12 months in 20% new French and American oak barrels, then goes to bottle without fining or filtration, retaining a depth of flavor and slightly rustic character that set it apart from more polished, commercially filtered blends in the same price tier.Tasting NotesAroma: Very dark purple in the glass, the nose opens with black cherry and blueberry, moving into deeper layers of cinnamon, cigar box, and violets. A subtle thread of black pepper emerges with airing.Taste: The entry is juicy and round, led by plump red cherries, blackberries, and ripe plum. At mid-palate, chocolate and a touch of vanilla from oak aging fill out the frame, while the Bonarda and Syrah components add a brambly, slightly wild character. The wine is soft but structured, with enough grip to keep things interesting.Finish: Medium in length with a slightly chewy texture and lingering notes of dark berry, leather, and warm spice. The unfiltered bottling contributes a subtle graininess that adds dimension to the close.How to Drink Cocina BlendThis blend is built for the table — pour it at cool room temperature with food or enjoy it on its own with no decanting necessary, though 20–30 minutes of air opens up the aromatics. Its juicy, fruit-forward personality and moderate tannins make it a reliable cocktail and sangria base as well. Red Wine Sangria: The berry-forward fruit and spice notes form a natural foundation for citrus and brandy additions. Kalimotxo: The soft, round palate holds up well against cola in this classic Spanish combination, where the wine's dark fruit adds complexity. Mulled Wine: Cinnamon and clove already live in the wine's profile, making it an ideal candidate for warming winter preparations. Best For Weeknight dinners where a food-friendly, versatile red is needed Introducing Argentine wine beyond single-varietal Malbec Casual gatherings and barbecues that call for an approachable, crowd-pleasing red Exploring unfiltered wines without a steep price commitment Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Cocina Blend taste like? It delivers ripe red and black fruit — cherry, blackberry, plum — layered with chocolate, vanilla, and warm baking spice. The palate is juicy and round with a slightly chewy, brambly finish.How does Cocina Blend compare to Clos de los Siete? Both are Malbec-dominant red blends from Mendoza, but Cocina Blend leans toward a softer, fruit-driven profile with its Bonarda component, while Clos de los Siete typically shows more structured tannins from a higher proportion of Bordeaux varieties. Cocina Blend's unfiltered bottling also gives it a more rustic, textured mouthfeel.Is Cocina Blend good for everyday drinking? Yes — its 13.5% ABV, approachable fruit character, and soft tannins make it an easy-drinking red that pairs well with a wide range of foods without demanding too much attention.Where is Cocina Blend made? It is produced in Mendoza, Argentina's most prominent wine region, located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The wine is made at La Posta under the direction of winemaker Luis Reginato in collaboration with Laura Catena.What foods pair well with Cocina Blend? Grilled beef or lamb chops complement the wine's dark fruit and smoky undertones. Empanadas with a spiced meat filling echo the cinnamon and pepper aromatics. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego match the chewy tannins. Pizza with roasted vegetables and mozzarella works with the wine's juicy acidity. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the cocoa and berry notes on the palate.What sizes does Cocina Blend come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.Is Cocina Blend worth the price? Cocina Blend positions as an entry-level to mid-range Argentine red, and it delivers above its weight class — the 12 months of oak aging and unfined, unfiltered bottling are production choices more commonly found in wines at higher price points.Why Cocina Blend?The unfiltered, unfined bottling is the clearest differentiator here — it preserves flavor compounds and textural nuances that standard filtration strips away, giving the wine a depth and authenticity that justify its place on any table. The three-grape blend of Malbec, Bonarda, and Syrah is itself uncommon; Bonarda is Argentina's second-most-planted red grape but rarely featured in blends marketed internationally, making this a genuinely distinctive composition. Laura Catena's involvement brings serious viticultural credibility, while Luis Reginato's hands-on winemaking keeps the wine grounded in Mendoza's terroir. For anyone exploring Argentine wine beyond straightforward Malbec, this is a compelling and honest entry point.
