2012 ($15, Gascon USA): The name says it all.  This blend of Malbec, Bonarda, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon delivers subtly sweet, almost jammy, ripe black fruit flavors enveloped with plush tannins that results in a soft and forward wine.  Good by itself, it would also work well with robust fare.… Read more

($13, Alamos USA): This Malbec combines juicy succulent black fruit-like flavors with soft tannins that lend just the right amount of structure.  Big, but not overpowering, this fleshy wine is a great value.  What it lacks in complexity it makes up for with its price. … Read more

($13, Henry Wine Group): This “entry level” wine from DiamAndes, a Malbec (80%) Syrah blend is a good choice for this summer’s BBQs. The additional of Syrah to the blend and the talents of the winemaking team means this is not another “fruit bomb” Malbec.… Read more

($20, Henry Wine Group): The Bonnie family who owns the Cru Classé Graves property, Château Malartic-Lagravière, have shown, with their project in Argentina, that their talents are not limited to Bordeaux. Their Argentine wines are a unique and stunning combination of New World fruitiness and Old World structure.… Read more

($15, Gascon USA): The name says it all.  Made from a blend of Malbec, Bonarda, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s a big juicy fruit forward wine with supple tannins.  Easy to sip for those who like that style, Colosal would also go well with full flavored pasta dishes.… Read more

($15, Vine Connections): Susana Balbo is one of Argentina’s best and most reliable producers.  Her wines are a fine place to start when exploring Argentine wines because she stratifies them into at least two levels based on quality.  The Crios label is the lower one and consistently offers a good price/quality ratio. … Read more

($27, Vine Connections): Susana Balbo, one of Argentina great winemakers, has put together an easy-to-recommend wine by blending a small amount of Malbec (10%) with the Cabernet Sauvignon.  Malbec adds an extra dimension to this fruit-forward weighty wine whose supple tannins allow for current consumption. … Read more

($14, Alamos USA): This Malbec falls into the category of a big red wine with soft tannins. The emphasis is on the ripe lush black fruit flavors. Easy enough to sip by itself because it’s so ripe, it’s a good choice for those seeking a fruity red to pair with mid-winter fare.… Read more

($10, Alamos USA):  Argentina has become the place to find solid wines that deliver more than the price suggests. And here’s another one of them. One of the finest ten dollar Cabernets I have tasted, it delivers ripe, yet not sweet, fruit surrounded by suave tannins.… Read more

($13, Alamos USA):  Despite representing only about 10 percent of Argentina’s white wine vineyards, Torrontés is rapidly becoming that country’s signature white wine grape.  In Alamos’s current rendition, floral, Muscat-like aromas leap from the glass.  Bright acidity prevents the ever so slight hint of sweetness from turning cloying and adds overall balance. … Read more

($73, Moët Hennessey USA):  The result of a joint project between Chateau Cheval Blanc in St. Emilion and Argentina’s Terrazas de los Andes, the Cheval des Andes erases any idea that Argentina cannot produce great wines.  The winemaking team led by Nicolas Audebert has put together a marvelous combination of dark fruit and mineral-like flavors all wrapped in velvety-like tannins. … Read more

($11, Vintus Imports):  Since 1988, Jacques and François Lurton, sons of André Lurton, the patriarch of one of Bordeaux’s most important families, have established wineries outside of Bordeaux and have become one of the leading producers in Argentina.  Torrontés, Argentina’s signature white grape, is under appreciated and deserves the popularity that Malbec has. … Read more

($25):  The Colomé website notes their vineyards are at an elevation between 2,300 and 3,111 meters (7,544 and 10,204 feet), the highest in the world.  The elevation moderates what would be otherwise scorching heat and allows the grapes to hold their acidity, which translates into a fresh and lively wine. … Read more

($18, Moët Hennessey USA):  Terrazas de los Andes, a subsidiary of Moët & Chandon, is dedicated to still wines.  Vineyards in Argentina, such as the ones belonging to Terrazas de los Andes, are frequently planted at high altitude to take advantage of nocturnal cooling which preserves acidity in grapes and freshness in wines. … Read more

($22, Vine Connections):  Argentina, best known for Malbec, takes advantage of high altitude vineyards to capture acidity in a warm climate.  The ripeness in this Chardonnay comes through as tropical fruit flavors, while zingy acidity keeps it in balance. 87 Michael Apstein Dec 6, 2011… Read more

($20, Vine Connections):  Argentina does produce red wine without using Malbec.  And good ones at that.  Here one of them.  A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (90%) and equal amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this young and vigorous wine is filled with spice and black fruit flavors.  … Read more

($19, Vine Connections):  This Malbec is a refreshing change from the overly ripe, sweet ones that bombard the market.  Instead layers of fruit intermingle with smoky and earthy notes.  There are even attractive slightly bitter cherry notes in the finish.  It’s another good option for robust dishes.… Read more

($11, Wine Brokers Unlimited):  Malbec is all the rage these days.  Most, especially at this price, are just overdone big red wines.  This one, in contrast, with a stated alcohol of 13.8%, is certainly fruity and bold, but not over the top and actually has complexity with layers of flavors. … Read more

($11, Wine Brokers Unlimited):  It’s always refreshing to find a Chardonnay at this price that is worth recommending.  A touch of Sauvignon Blanc in the blend might account for its lighter, more vivid signature.  Whatever the reason, it’s a fine choice when ordering “a glass of Chardonnay” or you need something less expensive for a large crowd.… Read more

($15, Vine Connections):  Susana Balbo, owner of the Dominio del Plata winery (aka Crios), must be one of Argentina’s best winemakers.  With the 2011 vintage, she handed the pipette to her son, José Lovaglio, who, judging by this wine, is every bit as talented. … Read more

($11, Banfi Vintners):  Aromatic and airy, Trivento’s Torrontés is bottled springtime.  Adequate acidity keeps it fresh.  Have a glass as an aperitif and then take the bottle to the table to match with spicy dishes. 87 Michael Apstein Jun 28, 2011… Read more

($8, Frederick Wildman):  With so much overdone Malbec on the market, this simple, straightforward one is a pleasure to recommend, especially at the price.  Although ripe and concentrated, it is balanced and not in your face. It would be a good choice for pizza or burgers.… Read more

($13):  Although robust and fruity like so many Malbecs, this one has more going on that makes it easy to recommend, especially for the price.  There are herbal notes and earthy nuances that peek out through the ripe black fruit.  Suppleness makes it easy to
drink now.… Read more

($13, Vine Connections):  Those who remember Argentine Chardonnay as heavy and clumsy must try this bright and breezy one.  A hint of toastiness in the nose and a similarly restrained creaminess on the palate adds complexity to this linear racy wine. … Read more

($10, Vineyard Brands):  Most Chardonnay in this price range are sappy and sweet.  Not this one.  Not surprisingly, tropical fruit flavors predominate in this straightforward wine, but there’s much better acidity–a bright lemony touch–than is usually found in Chardonnays at this price. … Read more

($10, Vineyard Brands):  Most Chardonnays in this price range are sappy and sweet.  Not this one.  Not surprisingly, tropical fruit flavors predominate in this straightforward wine, but there’s much better acidity–a bright lemony touch–than is usually found in Chardonnays at this price. … Read more

($9, Palm Bay International):  Malbec, a grape and wine that Argentina is seizing as its own, is “hot.”  And with popularity often comes mediocrity in the wine world.  But El Portillo manages to pull it off with this bargain-priced example.  With surprisingly good character, this Malbec conveys smoky, gamey elements in addition to the expected deep black fruit flavors. … Read more

($12, Vineyard Brands):  This wine is a little deceptive, in a nice way.  With the floral aroma reminiscent of Muscat, it temporarily tricks you into thinking it will be sweet.  But, it’s not.  Racy acidity enlivens the palate.  This versatile wine is equally at home as a before-dinner drink, to offset the heat of spicy Asian cuisine, or to complement roast pork. … Read more

($14, Gascon USA): Malbec, a “forgotten” red variety from Bordeaux, has found a home in Argentina where it typically makes a big wine.  In that vein, this one has ripe black fruit–almost grapey–flavors, is slightly chewy and delivers a direct impact. … Read more

($20, Alamos USA): Alamos is another label from Bodegas Catena, arguably Argentina’s leading producer.  In addition to this 100% Malbec bottling, a selection of their best Malbec, they also produce an attractive Malbec blend with 10% of Cabernet Sauvignon and Bonarda. … Read more

($50, Vintus): The 2006 vintage was the first release for Finca Decero and it’s either beginner’s luck or great talent.  After tasting their fabulous 2006 Cabernet (reviewed previously) and with Paul Hobbs as consultant, I suspect it’s the latter.  This, their flagship wine, is a blend of primarily Malbec (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%) and Petit Verdot and is a selection of their best barrels. … Read more

($20, Vintus): Look no further for a great $20 red wine. The people behind this new project in Agrelo, a subregion of Mendoza, are either lucky or really know what they are doing.  With succulent black fruit — hints of cassis — and a touch of earthiness, it is a study in power and elegance wrapped into one. … Read more

($25): This powerhouse Malbec comes from the highest vineyards in the world–7,200 to 9,900 feet above sea level in the Salta province of the northern Argentine Andes, according to Donald Hess, owner of California’s Hess Estate and other properties, including this one, around the world.  … Read more

($11, Vineyard Brands): Similar to their Los Cardos Syrah, this Cabernet is a good value.  It is a ripe, fruit-forward, moderate weight Cabernet that’s nicely balanced–not overdone–with polished tannins and charming black cherry acidity. 86 Michael Apstein May 27, 2008… Read more

($11, Vineyard Brands): Dona Paula uses the Los Cardos designation for their lowest level of wines.  They usually represent excellent value and this Syrah is no exception.  Nuances of bacon fat add an exotic element and balance the otherwise straightforward, ripe, plum-like flavors in this thick and juicy wine. … Read more

($11, Banfi Imports): Originally a Spanish grape found in Galicia, Torrontes is very popular in Argentina.  This is a deceptive wine.  The wonderfully floral element–almost Muscat-like–tricks you into thinking what follows will be sweet.  But it’s not.  Dry, bright and brisk, the aromatics continue into the finish continuing the paradox.… Read more

($20, Moet Hennessy USA): Argentina, like Chile a decade or two ago, has captured American consumers’ attention because it makes solid, less-than-$10-a-bottle wines.  But as in Chile, Argentine producers can deliver more than you’d expect at a slightly higher price level.  … Read more

($18, San Francisco Wine Exchange): Super rich, concentrated, and lush, but never out of balance, this is a dreamy Syrah that comes from high-altitude vineyards in the Mendoza wine region.  The 2002 is as delicious as the 2003, equally expansive on the palate, but with an impression of more dried fruit (especially prunes).… Read more

($20, Billington Wines): Malbec, a grape, which played a larger role in the Bordeaux blend of the past than currently, has become the signature grape of Argentina.  In Bordeaux, winemakers used it in the blend because, despite its potential for coarseness, it contributed intensity and color. … Read more

($15, Frederick Wildman): It’s a toned down version of Malbec, probably as a result of the elevation of the vineyard-over 5,000 feet-where the grapes don’t become overripe.  It’s more elegant than most Malbec, with ripe red-fruit flavors and good intensity without being over the top.… Read more

($16, Billington Imports): Malbec, a grape from Bordeaux where it hangs on as a minor part of the traditional blend, has become the signature grape of Argentina.  It typically produces a powerful-but sometimes, clunky wine.  José Galante, the winemaker for Alamos (which is a second label of Catena-one of Argentina’s leading producers) has mastered the grape. … Read more

($20, Vine Connections): A ripe wine (the grapes came from a warm part of Mendoza), this retains juicy acidity which prevents it from being heavy. The smoky, earthy flavors burst from the glass and put a smile on your face. 92 Michael Apstein Oct 25, 2005… Read more

($45, Vine Connections): This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot is Susana Balbo’s flagship wine. Not a “fruit bomb,” this elegant, refined wine delivers alluring spice intermingled with smoky elements. Its long and classy finish shows that Argentina can produce very fine wine.… Read more

($11, Vine Connections): Here’s what I refer to as a “pizza wine,” an inexpensive, flavor-packed bottle that can hold up to pepperoni. It is a fresh, ripe Malbec that, thankfully, is neither overoaked nor over extracted. Budini is the name of an Argentine cat that can appear larger than it is by puffing its fur when threatened.… Read more

($17, Vine Connections): Argentine wine producers rarely make a wine from a single vineyard because they fear any particular locale might be wiped out by an isolated hailstorm. This Malbec was worth the risk. Rich, without being heavy, it has unexpected complexity and polish.… Read more

($30, Vine Connections): Laura Catena, daughter of Nicolas, who runs one of Argentina’s best wineries, aims to make small quantities of very high quality wines from particular sites. Although she started in 1997, her first commercial wine was from 1999 because rain effectively washed out the 1998 vintage for her.… Read more