1 | Wine | Malbec, 86 or higher, 2011

"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."

"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."

"Smoke, violets, incense, and black cherry aromas set the stage for a surprisingly elegant, lengthy wine that offers superb value."

"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."

"A dense, chewy red, exhibiting dark raspberry coulis, blackberry reduction and plum skin notes that remain fresh through the smoke- and mineral-tinged finish. Fine length."

"It has a pure natural nose that expresses the essence of Malbec: lifted raspberry leaf and wild strawberry scents with traces of dried rose petal. It is a medium-bodied with supple, fine tannins and great purity. It glides across the mouth with those raspberry and strawberry notes continuing, joined by a taut citric edge and a slight leafiness towards the composed finish. This is pure class had for a fabulous price."

"Bright ruby-red. Slightly high-toned aromas of blackberry, kirsch, bitter chocolate, violet and spice cake. Densely packed and smooth but also lively and light on its feet thanks to harmonious acidity. Conveys a lovely restrained sweetness to its dark berry, licorice, violet and tobacco flavors. Finishes with smooth tannins and sneaky length; in comparison, the estate's cabernet sauvignon is a bit drier and more herbal on the back end." -Stephen Tanzer

"The 2011 “1300” Malbec is aged in American and French oak in equal portion. It has a toasty bouquet of blackberry and licorice, with a touch of hickory emerging with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with dense, dry tannins and a powdery texture, although there is more than enough fruit concentration on the finish to keep you satisfied. Drink now."