varietal: Malbec

Country of Origin: Argentina

Retail Price: $18.00

Tasting Notes: This unoaked 100% malbec is a very-dark ruby in the glass. The nose and palate are dominated by rich, black fruit, and touches of spice. Nicely weighty on the palate, the finish balances the fruit and structure of this superb wine.

Country of Origin: Argentina

Appellation: Calchaquies

Retail Price: $42.00

Tasting Notes: A perfect example how a red wine, without any oak or other barrel treatment, can still exhibit plenty of structure. 100% malbec, from a vineyard at nearly a mile in altitude, the wine is definitely driven by its ripe and intense fruit. The nose and palate are layered with plenty of dark tree fruit, with hints of spice.

Country of Origin: Argentina

Retail Price: $40.00

Tasting Notes: Mostly malbec, with some cabernet franc in the mix, this wine is intense. Very dark, nearly saturated ruby in the glass, the nose is filled with lovely spice and floral notes. On the palate, the wine shows plenty of rich, dark fruit and firm tannins.

Country of Origin: Argentina

Appellation: Valle de Uco

Retail Price: $34.99

Tasting Notes: The vineyards providing the grapes for this 75% malbec/25% cabernet sauvignon blend are three-quarters of a mile above sea level, keeping the wine's acidity in balance with its other components. Brilliant dark ruby, with plenty of red berry and cherry fruit, accented by spice and vanilla notes. Very nicely balanced, with good weight, texture and structure.

Country of Origin: Argentina

Appellation: Vistalba

Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: A lovely blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon and bonarda, primarily sourced from vines 70+ years old. A deep bright garnet in the glass, the nose and palate showcase the quality and complexity of this finely crafted wine. Plenty of dark stone fruit on the nose and palate, exceptional weight and texture, with a long, lingering finish.

Country of Origin: Argentina

Appellation: Mendoza

Retail Price: $21.99

Tasting Notes: A brilliant deep ruby in the glass, this 100% malbec has plenty of supple black and red fruit, with touches of spice. In the mouth, the bright fruit has good weight, and excellent balance, with a long finish.