1 | Wine | Argentina, 86 or higher, 750 ml

"Opaque purple and thick in the glass, this wine has inky, supercharged aromas of ripe blackberry and spice. It feels amped up but balanced, with more intensity and clarity than what most other $18 reds offer. The flavors of wild berry, mild herb and chocolate finish in a rich, toasty wrapping."

"Bright medium ruby. Restrained but pure aromas of blackcurrant, bitter chocolate, mocha and peppery herbs. Dense, sappy and deep, boasting a seamlessness in spite of its musky dark berry flavors accented by pepper and herbs. Classic, satisfying and complete cabernet, with a lush, round texture, excellent breadth and length, and very suave, fine-grained tannins. This could do some damage in a blind flight of top Napa cabernets. A steal at the price." -Stephen Tanzer

"Scents of lime, peach and melon that are well-defined. The palate is well-balanced with a prickle of white pepper on the entry. It displays moderate length in the mouth, while the finish is crisp and taut. with notes of pear, bruised apple and dried orange peel. This is worth seeking out for the price."

"The 2011 Altos del Plata Malbec has a crisp blackberry and raspberry-scented bouquet that has impressive intensity and purity for the price point. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy, primal black fruit and a touch of iodine on the punchy, sprightly finish. This is a great wine for the price."

"Cassis, blueberry, violet, licorice, menthol and herbs on the pure nose. Creamy-sweet in the mouth, but nicely integrated acidity and a touch of herbs give the wine good energy and lift. Finishes firm and fresh, with fine-grained, supple tannins and plenty of structural support. A juicy, brisk, refreshing cabernet." -Stephen Tanzer

"It has a superb bouquet of peach skin, pear and a hint of lime flower that has a Riesling-like personality. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins and a precise, mineral-rich finish that shows what Torrontes can do in the right hands. Excellent."

"A rich, inviting red, with overtones of roasted coffee bean, licorice and smoke to the juicy blackberry, cassis and plum skin fruit character, leading to a Mocha Java aftertaste."

"Bright medium ruby. Spicy aromas of raspberry and blackberry with hints of coffee and game. Lush but also juicy and pure on the palate, with attractive balance and sweetness to its dark berry and violet flavors. This rather wild malbec's ripeness and supple texture are enlivened by very good balancing acidity. An excellent value." -Stephan Tanzer

"Bright full red. Blackberry, plum, currant and red licorice on the somewhat reduced nose. Juicy, spicy and firm-edged, with a medicinal cast to the dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors. Good honest wine with moderate depth and pliancy and a slightly green quality to the aftertaste." -Stephen Tanzer

"It has a floral bouquet of wild strawberry, raspberry, rhubarb and a touch of Hoi Sin that is well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, dry tannins on the entry that lend this Malbec a “classic” feel. It is very well-balanced and harmonious, with light strawberry, balsamic and pomegranate notes on the minerally finish. This is a superb Malbec."