1 | Wine | Malbec, $20 to $50, 86 or higher

"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."

"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."

"The flagship is the 2009 Grand Malbec, a contender for Malbec of the vintage at this early stage. A glass-coating opaque purple color with legs that ooze down the glass, it offers up a beautiful bouquet of sandalwood, exotic spices, truffle, floral notes, red licorice, and black cherry. Voluptuous on the palate, this sweetly-fruited, dense, nicely proportioned Malbec will evolve for 4-5 years and deliver prime drinking from 2015 to 2029."

"Blackberry, cassis and nutty, chocolatey oak on the nose. Finishes savory and dry, with a hint of smoky minerality, firm tannins and a slightly roasted quality emerging with air".

"Elegant personality but with a firm structure. Elements of savory black fruits intermingled with floral notes and exotic spices lead to a layered, spicy palate that expands nicely in the glass".

"Notions of pain grille, mineral, Asian spices, lavender, and black cherry lead to an elegant, impeccably balanced wine with outstanding volume and length".

"It offers a gorgeous, pure, floral bouquet with ripe pomegranate and wild strawberry imbued with superb minerality and delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a tense, almost broody entry. It is a classic Malbec, one you might almost think came from the Old World, underpinned by great structure and a sense of masculinity. Yet it is superbly balanced with plenty of ripe, earthy black fruit laced with tar and tobacco towards the long, rather aristocratic finish. Excellent."

"Bright medium ruby. Primary aromas of blackberry, licorice, and violet, with a suggestion of exotic fruits. Penetrating blackberry and licorice flavors convey a high-altitude acid impression. Very vibrant, young wine with tannins firmed by the petit verdot component. A fruit bomb, but today the wine's licorice and acid components are doing battle." -Stephen Tanzer

"Made in a forward, easygoing style, it sports an enticing nose of cedar, spice box, lavender, brier, and black cherry fruit. This sets the stage for a medium-bodied wine with a smooth texture, a sense of elegance, and intense flavors. Drink this nicely proportioned Malbec over the next 5-6 years. It is an outstanding value."