Malbec, originally found in Cahors in southwestern France or in Bordeaux where it was a prominent part of the blend until the mid-1950s (when a devastating frost decimated the vines) has made a name for itself as Argentina’s signature red grape.… Read more

($14):  The A & M Bonnie family has expanded from their homebase at Château Malartic Lagravière, a leading estate in Bordeaux’s Pessac-Léognan appellation, to Argentina.  Although Malbec was once one of the important varieties used in Bordeaux, it is rarely seen there currently. … Read more

($52, WX Brands):  Trapiche has the luxury of selecting from over 200 different vineyards to produce their single vineyard wines.  In 2018 the Malbec came from Finca Coletto, a high-altitude vineyard that  plenty of sunlight to achieve ripeness and coolness that should preserve acidity. … Read more

($46, WX Brands):  What’s fascinating to me is how much more interesting Trapiche’s single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is compared to their Malbec.  Yes, the same heavy bottle announces a big wine, but in this case a lovely fragrance pulls you in. … Read more

($15):  Oh no, another South American Chardonnay.  Well, it turns out that DiamAndes’ is not just another South American Chardonnay.  The backstory is as fascinating as the wine is stunning.  DiamAndes is a project of the A & M Bonnie family, owners of Château Malartic Lagravière, one of the leading estates in Pessac-Léognan. … Read more

($51, Vino del Sol):  Jean Claude Berrouet, the former winemaker at Château Pétrus and other Moueix estates, consults at Tapiz, another Patricia Ortiz property.  Berrouet’s hallmark style — subtlety and finesse — is clearly apparent in this stunning Malbec.  It helps that they have selected special lots from a single vineyard located at over 4,440 feet above sea level. … Read more

($100, Vino del Sol):  Sometimes just smelling a wine lets you know how great it will be.  This is such a wine. Jean Claude Berrouet, who made over 40 vintages at Château Pétrus before retiring in 2007, consults at Tapiz, so it is not surprising that they would produce a Bordeaux blend alongside their marvelous Malbec. … Read more

($23, Vino del Sol):  Patricia Ortiz, who owns Zolo, emphasizes the importance of estate grown fruit, which gives them complete control over planting, farming, and harvesting the grapes.  In wry, understated manner, she adds, “When you must purchase grapes, it’s different.” … Read more

($25, Vino del Sol):  Wapisa shows its consistency with this fresh and lively Malbec.  Fabian Valenzuela, the winemaker, has resisted the temptation to make what has become all too common — a muscular, in-your-face Malbec.  Instead, this one leads with great aromatics and follows by combining a pepper-like spice with mid-weight black fruit flavors. … Read more

($25, Vino del Sol):  Wapisa, located only about 25 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and Patagonia’s only coastal winery, is the indigenous Patagonian name for whale.  Owned by Patricia Ortiz, one of Argentina’s leading winemakers, it makes a splendid array of wines. … Read more

($29, Paul Hobbs Selections):  The quality is not surprisingly given this wine is part of the Paul Hobbs collection.  What did catch me by surprise, however, was the price of this glossy and polished Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Malbec (18%), Cabernet France (5%), and Petit Verdot. … Read more

($51, Kobrand Wine & Spirits): Like the unnecessarily heavy bottle, this stunning single-vineyard Malbec is a weighty bold wine but with remarkable balance for its size.  This robust wine carries its 15 percent stated alcohol well.  Suavely textured, it still has enough structure to counter the deep plum-like fruit and slightly alluring tarry elements. … Read more

($14, Quintessential Wines):  On an absolute scale, this is not a 90-point wine.  But — and I can hear my editor smoldering — it gets extra points for value.  It is fruity, but not too.  There’s a splash, not a tsunami, of oak. … Read more

($10):  Malbec, originally from Bordeaux and Cahors in southwest France, has become Argentina’s signature red grape.  This bargain-priced one packs plenty of punch and hints of vanilla — the oak cask designation speaking. Its suave texture and intensity make it a fine choice for a summertime BBQ party. … Read more

($9):  This is a softly textured easy to sip red that finishes a touch sweet.  Fortunately, it is not overdone, weighing in at a modest 13.5 percent stated alcohol, which makes it a fine choice for those who prefer to sip on a red wine as an aperitif. … Read more

($25):  Full disclosure: I’m prejudiced against Malbec because all too often it produces a plodding, hit-you-over-the-head red wine.  But, that’s why you keep tasting.  This one does not fit my prejudicial paradigm.  It’s a big wine, to be sure, but balanced and, most importantly, fresh. … Read more

($18, Vino del Sol):  Full disclosure: I am underwhelmed by most Malbecs, which are heavy, monotonic red wines.  Imagine my surprise and delight with this one.  Perhaps it’s the 4,200 feet above sea level vineyard, which allows enormous sunlight without great heat. … Read more

($38, Vino del Sol):  While I am usually underwhelmed by most monovarietal Malbec bottlings, that grape works beautifully in red blends, such as this one.  Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec each account for about a third of the blend, while Merlot and Syrah comprise the remainder. … Read more

($13, Vino del Sol):  Though focused on black fruit flavors, this clean and pure Cabernet Sauvignon avoids the trap of being a fruit bomb.  Weighing in at a modest 13.6 percent stated alcohol, it also shows restraint, allowing just a hint of sweet oak to come through. … Read more

($12):  This lighter styled Malbec will appeal especially to those who find most Malbecs too overpowering or heavy.  Still, it has good concentration despite its lack of muscularity.  Savory, smoke-y undertones balance the dark fruity profile.  Suave, mild tannins mean this is a wine to enjoy now. … Read more

($99, Winebow):  There is no question that the Catena family is among the leading producers in Argentina — and perhaps the single leader of the pack.  Nicolás Catena brought Argentine wines into the modern area by discovering what is universally accepted now: planting vines at higher altitudes in warm climates reduces the likelihood of harvesting over ripe grapes and making jammy wines. … Read more

($60, Taub Family Selections):  The name of the bodega and its flagship wine comes from the first two letters of the last names of the principals involved in this collaborative effort: Nicolas Catena and Barons de (Lafite) Rothschild.  With those two wineries involved how could their flagship wine not be consistently sensational? … Read more

($15, Taub Family Selections):  This Malbec is an unusual wine for Bodegas Caro, a collaboration between Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and Nicolas Catena, two stars in the wine world.  It is unusual because they pride themselves on combining two winemaking cultures, Bordeaux and Argentina, and their two respective grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, but there’s no Cab in this. … Read more

($55, Seaview Imports):  The name of the wine, Estela Perinetti, is also the name of the owner and winemaker at Finca Mangato.  She is one of Argentina’s first female winemakers and viticulturists, according to the Finca Mangato website.  She should know a thing or two about making wine in Argentina since, according to her biographical sketch, she worked with the Catena family, one of, if not the country’s leading wine family, for two decades. … Read more

($60, Taub Family Selections):  It should come as no surprise that a collaboration, now about two decades old, between two of the greatest names in wine should produce a fabulous wine. Bodegas Caro is a joint effort of Domaines Barons de (Lafite) Rothschild and Nicolas Catena, one of Argentina’s leading wine producers. … Read more

($35, Folio Fine Wine Partners):  Though the producer according to the label is Dominio del Plata, the important name is that of Susana Balbo, one of Argentina’s top producers.  In this wine, she has fashioned an attractive blend of Malbec (75%) and Cabernet Franc.… Read more

 ($45, Folio Fine Wine Partners):  A plummy and polished Bordeaux-blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (53%), Cabernet Franc (24%), Malbec (16%), and Petit Verdot, Balbo’s Brioso is fruit-focused, yet balanced by enough acidity to keep it fresh and lively.  A suave texture adds to its appeal. … Read more

 ($24, Folio Fine Wine Partners):  Susana Balbo has fashioned a captivating ying-yang of a white wine.  Floral and seductively aromatic, it delivers a hint of sweetness that is balanced perfectly with bracing acidity.   The overall impression is that of a clean, fresh and lively wine. … Read more

($25, The Winebow Group):  The Malbec from La Consulta could redefine the image of wine made from that grape.  Not just big and ripe, this Malbec is lively and racy with appealing smoky nuances.  Though it displays Malbec’s smooth tannins, it is far fresher compared to Lunlunta. … Read more

($25, The Winebow Group):  Catena, as the producer is usually known, is one of Argentina’s top producers.  They have always championed vineyards planted at high elevations, believing that the cooler temperature and the character of the sunshine make the wines distinctive. … Read more

($13): Malbec has achieved popularity in this country because it can produce a big juicy red wine with mild or little tannic structure.  The 2015 Malbec from Alamos fits that profile perfectly.  Soft and fruity, it’s ideal for people searching for an inexpensive big red to have either before dinner or with hearty fare.… Read more

($25, Aveníu Brands): Obra, the reserve wine of Bodegas Septima, is a cut above the usual Malbec both in taste and in price.   Good acidity and vibrancy balances its thick and juicy profile without being aggressive or harsh.  This big red wine would be a good choice for robust grilled meats this fall.… Read more

($13, Montcalm Wine Imports): Like so many Malbecs, this one is a big red wine, weighing in at a stated 14.5% alcohol, but unlike many, it doesn’t finish sweet.  There’s enough structure to balance the fruit and ripeness and subtle earthy elements lend a welcome savory aspect. … Read more

($11): Just as Malbec is Argentina’s signature red grape and wine, Torrontés, is becoming that country’s signature white.  Very floral, with even a glimmer of honeysuckle, Finca el Origen’s represents one end of the Torrontés style spectrum.  Analogous to many Muscat, it’s a bit deceptive because, while the aromas suggest that sweetness will follow, it doesn’t. … Read more

($14, Aveniu Brands): This big red wine has considerable polish, in part, no doubt, because Codorníu Argentina, a subsidiary of the great Spanish wine-producing firm, owns Bodega Septima.  This juicy wine manages concentration without going over the edge.  The tannins are mild, especially considering the overall size of the wine, which means it’s very approachable now and would be a good choice for grilled beef this summer.… Read more

($15, Vine Connections): Malbec is Argentina’s signature red grape, while Torrontés is that country’s signature white. Fresh and floral with hints of white flowers and snappy acidity, Susana Balbo’s 2014 Torrontés is bottled springtime.  The barest hint of sweetness in the finish makes it perfect as a poolside aperitif or to accompany spiced summer salads.… Read more

($25, Vine Connections): Susana Balbo is a leading Argentine producer — and this well-priced Cabernet Sauvignon confirms it.  It has a bit of everything — great aromatics, a hint of minerals, and black fruit flavors — but it’s all in check. … Read more

($13, Blends Inc.): To their credit, winemakers throughout Argentina are experimenting with a plethora of grape varieties to see which actually work in their unique climate.  It seems that Pinot Grigio, at least this one, works.  A floral impression in the clean, bright and refreshing wine allows you to enjoy it either as an evening aperitif this summer or with linguine and clam sauce this summer.… Read more

($10, Foley Family Wines): Full disclosure, Malbec is not my favorite wine because all too often I find it overblown and just too big.  So imagine my surprise when I ran across this one.  It’s refined — not a word commonly used to describe Malbec — with a lovely texture and freshness. … Read more

($13, Foley Family Wines): Bonarda may, indeed, rival Malbec for Argentina’s top red grape.  This extraordinary value example shows why.  A hearty red with even a hint of tarriness, this Bonarda has polished tannins, making it a great choice for robust beef dish now. … Read more

($11, Foley Family Wines): Torrontés, Argentina’s signature white grape, is gaining in popularity as consumers realize the zingy wine, such as this one, it can produce and, at a bargain price.  Fresh, clean and zippy, Nieto Senetiner’s curiously has a whiff of mintiness that lends roundness, which actually allows consumer to enjoy it as a stand-alone aperitif. … Read more

($13, Foley Family Wines): Pinot Noir is not likely to replace Malbec as Argentina’s signature red grape, but this wine will still get your attention. Thankfully, not overworked, this Pinot Noir is fruity and fresh.  To their credit, Nieto Senetiner is keeping it simple with this bright Pinot Noir, not trying to make a bargain-priced wine into something “important.” … Read more

($12, Vine Connections):  This high energy edgy Sauvignon Blanc will cut through any food you put on the table.  It’s grassy and electrifying and so enlivening that it could wake the dead.  But it’s a really good Sauvignon Blanc–as long as you embrace that citrus-infused herbal style–and at a great price.… Read more

($25, Stoli Group USA): To my mind, Malbec is an overrated grape often producing a heavy monotonous red wine.  Thankfully, Achaval Ferrer’s is neither.   It’s certainly a robust meaty wine, but vibrant acidity keeps it fresh and imparts life.  There’s plenty of plumy black fruit — which does make for engaging pairing with charcoal grilled beef — but it’s a black cherry-like tartness in the finish that brings you back for another glass.… Read more

($25, Stoli Group USA): Achaval Ferrer produces an easy-to-recommend Malbec and this Cabernet Sauvignon shows they are more than a one-horse show.  Their Cabernet has the same energy and acidity of their Malbec, but, as a plus in my mind, more herbal savory notes — even a touch of green olive. … Read more

($13): This “Goldilocks” kind of Chardonnay is a wonderful value.  Not too heavy — nor too light — it has enough acidity to carry it with food but not too much verve that would disqualify it from being enjoyed as an aperitif. … Read more

($13): Alamos’ Torrontés, Argentina’s signature white grape, has an engaging Muscat-like fragrance.  Fresh and clean, it finishes with the barest hint of sweetness, but buttressing acidity prevents it from being cloying. Grab a bottle — or two — this summer the next time you’re having sushi or spiced Asian fare.… Read more

($13, Blends Inc): Usually big sized reds, like this one, have big sized tannins to accompany the concentration.  Not here.  This is a big and ripe Cabernet with hardly noticeable tannins and sour cherry finish.
85 Michael Apstein Mar 11, 2014… Read more

($15, Gascon USA): Gascón’s Malbecs have gotten more interesting over the years.  Years ago, when they first made their appearance on these shores, I dismissed them as big simple red wines.  The current version, the 2012, is still big, but simplicity has been replaced by an intriguing floral character, subtle dark cherry-like notes and even an appealing hint of bitterness in the finish. … Read more