Cruz Alta Reserve 2015

91
Cruz Alta
Fanciful Name: Reserve
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $14

Tasting Notes: Bright red plum and black raspberries balanced by some surprising new oak definition from this Malbec. The wine is luscious and well balanced but still focuses on the black fruit and tannic power.
Cruz Alta Reserve 2015

Cruz Alta Grand Reserve 2013

92
Cruz Alta
Fanciful Name: Grand Reserve
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $16

Tasting Notes: Full-bodied and not lacking in either power or density, this wine has a black color with a slight shade of red to it. The smooth texture and lengthy finish harness the blueberry, raspberry and oak-baking spice flavors very well.
Cruz Alta Grand Reserve 2013

Punto Final Reserva 2013

92
Punto Final
Fanciful Name: Reserva
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $21.99

Tasting Notes: “The Final Point” is the next showstopper Malbec you need to try. Their entry into the market, Punto Final, is wonderful as it is, but the extra aging (12 months in 225-L. Barriques) makes a world of difference. The perfect balance between bold and finesse, Punto Final Reserva Malbec is worth the jump to this price point and will make you want to come back for more.
Punto Final Reserva 2013

Raffy Pardus Malbec 2012

92
Raffy Pardus
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Tupungato
Retail Price: $22.49

Tasting Notes: Made from 50-year-old ungrafted vines, this Malbec has a refined character exhibiting bright bing cherry and wild raspberry fruits. Anise and cocoa are supporting flavors that linger on the elegant, fine-grained finish.
Raffy Pardus Malbec 2012

Michel Rolland Mariflor 2012

92
Michel Rolland
Fanciful Name: Mariflor
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $27.99

Tasting Notes: Winemaker Michel Rolland has created a dense and polished Malbec with aromas of plum and blueberries. Deep ruby in color, with flavors of licorice, berry and dark chocolate leading to powerful tannins and a long lasting finish.
Michel Rolland Mariflor 2012

Catena Malbec 2013

92
Catena
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $18.99

Tasting Notes: Aroma of dark fruits, dark cherry and berries. Flavors run dark cherry, blackberry and spice. Nice full tannins with long finish.
Catena Malbec 2013

Chakana Malbec 2014

92
Chakana
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Uco Valley
Retail Price: $26.99

Tasting Notes: The nose is ripe and fruit-driven with aromas of dark red fruit and plums. Balanced minerality and a touch of spice box with well integrated oak. The palate is juicy fresh and has good balance with a somewhat fleshy finish.
Chakana Malbec 2014

Los Poetas Malbec 2014

92
Los Poetas
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $18

Tasting Notes: Bold and powerful flavors of red currant, cranberry and rich raspberry are complemented by a liberal use of oak. The 42% Malbec shines through as the centerpiece, but the 27% Cabernet, 22% Tempramillo and 9% Syrah add complexity and depth.
Los Poetas Malbec 2014

Black Cabra Malbec 2016

92
Black Cabra
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: Impressive red from Jean-Claude Berrouet, formerly of Chateau Petrus in Pomerol. Dark ruby red, this is a soft and silky Malbec loaded with aromas of blackberries and violets, with subtle notes of pepper and cloves. Black cherries and plums fill the medium-to-full-bodied palate, with hints of cedar and vanilla on the long finish.
Black Cabra Malbec 2016

Altos Las Hormigas Reserve Malbec 2014

93
Altos Las Hormigas
Fanciful Name: Reserve
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Uco Valley
Retail Price: $26

Tasting Notes: Fresh with lots of minerality. This is for the more serious Malbec drinker. Structured pure concentration of blueberry, blackberry and purple plum. Long finish that screams for Argentine beef.
Altos Las Hormigas Reserve Malbec 2014

Clos La Coutale Malbec 2014

93
Clos La Coutale
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Cahors
Retail Price: $17.99

Tasting Notes: This wine is a blend of 80% Malbec and 20% Merlot. It’s aged in oak barrels to obtain a full balance between medium tannins and dark, black fruit. This Cahors Malbec is a hearty, rustic red.
Clos La Coutale Malbec 2014