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An impressively rich wine, this is a dense, spicy wine packed with black fruits. The wood aging for 12 months has polished the tannins and brightened the acidity. (RV)

Mineral, wild and seductive on the nose. Aromas of red fruits, dried leaves and tobacco Attractive palate, with chalky tannins. *Silver Medal - 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards*

A dense, deep plum colour in the glass reflects the rich prune and fig aromas coming from it. It’s very concentrated and will need time to soften to express its full potential and should age very well. The 50-year-old vines for this Côt – the local name for Malbec – come from a 2.5-hectare parcel of clay-limestone that faces south/southeast. The grapes are hand picked and macerated for five to six weeks using native yeasts. It is then aged in unlined concrete tanks with the use of micro-oxygenation. Côt is the most successful red variety in eastern Touraine producing quite rustic, characterful wines, the best of which are able to age for several decades. There are some vines in the Cher Valley that are well over 100 years old. (JB)

Alright my friends, I know you've been worrying about what chillable reds are you going to try this year? It's fine, I have the first for you to try. This one. That's why I typed all that, it's this wine. Pretty, bright, easy on the nose with raspberry, underripe strawberry, and bright red pie cherry. The palate is juicy with great acidity, just incredibly easy and a tasty little guy. When it was cooler there was actually some savory notes that came out more, but it's gotten more fruity and juicy as it's gotten to room temperature. I definitely recommend chilling it for 30-45 minutes in the fridge before consumption to really start and then let it warm up as you finish to bottle so you can decide how you like it best. I think it's great with that chill.

The 2024 Malbec Appellation Lunlunta comes from Luján de Cuyo and was aged 11–13 months in French oak barrels (25–40% new, plus second- and third-use wood). Highly expressive, it opens with clear violet notes and fresh plum, framed by refined oak. It is dry, juicy and supple, with fine, flexible tannins and an enveloping flow. A classic Luján de Cuyo Malbec. (JH)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2019 Susana Balbo Nosotros Nómade (99JS, 94RP), the flagship Malbec from Susana Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker, and James Suckling’s Argentine Wine of the Year, ranked #1 on his Top 100 Wines of Argentina 2022. True to its “Nómade” name, the wine is sourced each year from whichever single vineyard performs best. In 2019, one of the estate’s best harvests in two decades, that was a 36-year-old Malbec vineyard at 1,150 meters in Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley. It is aged 16 months in French barrels, 80% new. Expect black cherry, cassis, blackberry and plum layered with violet, vanilla, dark chocolate and crushed stone, on a juicy, round, plush, medium- to full-bodied palate with velvety tannins and a remarkably persistent finish. A collector’s case-quantity lot of one of the greatest Malbecs ever made in Argentina.

Elegant and perfumed nose with violets, spices, fresh blackberries, blueberries and touches of chiles, chocolate, cigar box and white pepper. Super juicy on the palate with compact, fine tannins and an extremely long finish. (ZS)

The 2023 Malbec Clásico Organic is made from grapes grown in Luján de Cuyo and was aged nine months in concrete. The nose reveals ripe fruit, plum and a hint of jam, lifted by a subtle balsamic herbal note. Dry and clingy, with solid extract, it offers depth of flavor alongside a loose, lightly grippy texture. This is a well-achieved 2023 Malbec, darker in profile than overtly fruity. (JH)

The 2022 Malbec Catena Alta brings together historic vineyards from Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley to capture the best of both regions: Luján’s generous, supple tannins and Uco’s juicy, fresh fruit. Aged for up to 18 months in barrel, this wine is the essence of Mendoza Malbec. Intense aromas of fresh plum and delicate balsamic notes float over oak and a floral hint in the background. With indulgent depth and a juicy flow, the 2022 balances plush tannins with refined texture to produce a long and sapid palate with a touch of intensity and subtle concentration. This is a rich wine that raises the bar for Mendoza Malbec. (JH)

A full-bodied and expressive malbec with 5% cabernet sauvignon. Minerals, black cherries and cool blue fruit. A touch of cocoa powder, but there is nothing plush. Concentrated but austere, with tons of juicy fruit and dusty tannins treading into a long, bright finish. Fermented in concrete and aged 24 months in foudres. Drink or hold. (ZS)

A juicy, vibrant and fruity blend of malbec, bonarda and petit verdot. Aromas of red cherries, berries and touches of citrus and potpourri. Fresh and brambly, with a medium body and small-grained fruit tannins. (ZS)

Château du Cèdre is the Verhaeghe family’s estate in Cahors, the southwestern French appellation historically associated with Malbec. The 2023 Cèdre Héritage centers on that emblematic grape, connecting a contemporary estate bottling with the enduring viticultural identity of its home region.

Familia Zuccardi’s Concreto takes its name from the concrete vessels used for fermentation and aging, without oak. This 2024 Mendoza Malbec comes from a family producer whose winegrowing history dates to 1963, when Alberto Zuccardi planted his first vineyard in Mendoza.

Cahors gained appellation status in 1971, with its red wines required to contain at least 70% Malbec—a grape historically rooted in Southwest France. Clos Siguier’s 2020 Cahors offers a direct connection to this longstanding regional tradition along the Lot River.

This is one of the pillars of the Altos Las Hormigas portfolio and has been produced since the late 1990s, when the winery bet everything on malbec. This version, as usual, is a blend based on Altamira's own vineyards (80%) and Gualtallary (20%), both in the Uco Valley. It is a precise photograph, in HD, of Andean malbec. Violets and ripe red fruits, a palate rich in those tannins of calcareous soils that feel like chalk, the light weight, but the firm and taut structure. Due to depth of flavors, due to Andean character, this is the best version of this wine that we at Descorchados have tried.

A juicy and fruity malbec with blueberries, plums and orange rind on the nose. Medium-bodied, fresh and supple. Very drinkable. (CN)

This shows plums, bark and charcoal on the nose. The palate is precise, sharp, linear and super elegant, with velvety tannins and crunchy fruit. It’s long, refined and very stylish. Drink now. (JGA)

The category of "chillable red" is hotter than ever, no pun intended, and the NN Malbec from MAAL fits into this somewhat elusive category perfectly. Pale ruby red in color, with bright juicy fruit notes on the nose – Bing cherry, strawberry, plum – this wine has little in common with the typical oaked style of Malbec that is widely available. In fact, this wine sees no oak at all, just very gentle handling and a brief period of aging in stainless steel to preserve the fruit aromatics. Served with a slight chill, it has all of the fresh aromatics of a rosé wine, but with more body and a subtle texture that make it excellent with food. This wine is so fun and flavorsome – grab a bottle, chill it down in the fridge and enjoy on a warm day!

Established in 1981, the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA is notably defined by elevation-based boundaries that distinguish its mountainous terrain from surrounding lowlands. Assiduous’ 2023 Blackridge Vineyard Malbec places this historic Bordeaux grape in a vineyard-designated California bottling from one of the state’s distinctive coastal mountain appellations.

Aromas of blue and purple berries with a splash of peppery spices and violets. Lightly chewy tannins on the palate, with a medium body and a direct, fruity finish. (ZS)

Bid on this 6-bottle tasting lot; including 3-bottles of 2017 Luca Malbec "Old Vine" Uco Valley (1.5L) and 3-bottles of 2019 Luca Malbec "Old Vine" Uco Valley (93VN, 93WS, 92RP). Of the 2019 Luca Malbec "Old Vine" Uco Valley, Vinous writes: "The 2019 Malbec Old Vine is a blend of grapes from La Consulta, Paraje Altamira, Pampa El Cepillo and Gualtallary, all in the Uco Valley. The 2019 was aged for 14 months in 35% new French barrels. Vivid purple in the glass. The nose is a combination of the best of the different regions. Fresh, ripe plum with hints of herb and sweet spices, violet and lavender aromas are present against a backdrop of cedar. Juicy with a velvety texture, the fine tannins are enhanced by the precise freshness. The tacky finish lingers at length. This is an elegant, voluminous wine; the 2019 is an accomplished approach to the variety. An upgrade for lovers of the Mendoza Malbec. (JH)" (11/2021)

MAAL Wines is a modern Argentine winery known for its creative, unconventional approach to winemaking. It was founded in 2010 by Matías Fraga and Alfredo Merlo, who began by making small batches of wine from an abandoned vineyard in Mendoza. The project is built around a simple idea: to produce only Malbec wines with strong personality and authenticity. MAAL focuses on expressing the terroir of the Uco Valley and Las Compuertas while allowing the winemakers’ creativity to shine through.

Malbec has deep roots in Cahors, the historic wine region along the Lot River in southwest France. Château les Croisille’s 2023 Croizillon continues that regional connection, presenting the grape under an estate label from its longstanding French homeland rather than from the variety’s better-known modern strongholds abroad.

Subtle roasted spices, sour cherries, hibiscus and bramble berries. Youthful and quite lively palate with a fruity core of ripe, juicy berries and cherries. Flavorful finish (ZS)

TintoNero was born of the long-time friendship and professional collaboration of Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach, colleagues at Bodega Catena Zapata for almost 15 years. As Wine Education Director for Catena, Jeff traveled the world preaching the gospel of the unique character of high-altitude Malbec from Mendoza, explaining the character and expression of its many different terroirs. As Vineyard Director at Catena, Alejandro had extensive, firsthand experience growing Malbec in many diverse terroirs, from the fruit-driven, easy-drinking style of Lujan de Cuyo to the concentrated, complex profile La Consulta. His intimate knowledge of the top vineyards in each region means TintoNero wines are made from only the best fruit each area has to offer.

A mysterious blend, otherwise known as “M blend.” Fresh, exotic herbs, hibiscus, red berries and some blood oranges. Some sweet spices, too. Really juicy and bright on the palate with plenty of succulent fruit. Quite nervy and silky on the palate. (JS)

The 2024 Malbec Biutiful comes from Campo Los Andes in the Uco Valley. It opens with red and black fruit, balsamic herbs and a hint of violets. Fine tannins, moderate juiciness and a light fruit note on the finish bring flavor and energy to the palate. (JH)

Bid on this 5-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2008 Achával Ferrer "Temporis"Malbec Mendoza, 1-bottle of 2011 Achával Ferrer "Finca Bella Vista" Malbec Mendoza (98JS, 95RP, 95WS, 94ST), 1-bottle of 2011 Achával Ferrer "Finca Mirador" Malbec Mendoza (96WS, 93JS, 92RP), 1-bottle of 2012 Achával Ferrer "Finca Altamira" Malbec Mendoza, and 1-bottle of 2012 Achával Ferrer "Finca Bella Vista" Malbec Mendoza. Of the 2011 Achával Ferrer "Finca Bella Vista" Malbec Mendoza, James Suckling writes: "Extraordinary aromas of blackberry and licorice with violets. Full body, with incredible depth of fruit and tension. Phenomenal mouthfeel. So much mineral and dried flowers too. Drink or hold." (06/2014)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2014 Catena Zapata "Nicasia" Malbec Mendoza (OWC - 96RP, 95DC, 95JS, 94VN) in original wood. Wine Advocate: "The Catena Zapata range comprises some single-vineyard wines, like the 2014 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard that comes from a plot of ungrafted vines planted in Altamira in 1996 using Malbec cuttings from the ancient Angélica vineyard. Cropped from a year that delivered moderate alcohol and notable acidity, it fermented with full clusters in 2, 000- and 5, 000-liter oak foudres with indigenous yeasts. It matured in French oak barrels for 24 months. This shows superbly and is open and expressive, very classical and elegant, floral and mineral, with no excess whatsoever. The palate reveals superb balance, really harmonious and elegant. This one might be overlooked because there is a lot of attention given to the Malbecs from Adrianna vineyard, but this is really at the same quality level. (LG)" (06/2018)

If you associate Malbec with big "fruit bomb" style wines, think again. This Malbec from Farella Estate has more in common with a fine Cahors. Concentrated and dark, with black fruits, herbs, rustic earth and a nice top palate of clean tannin. Long finish of blackberries and dried herbs. Nicely complex and very drinkable. As a bonus, it should cellar very well for another 5 plus years.

Farella’s 2021 Estate Malbec comes from Coombsville, the Napa Valley appellation established in 2011 southeast of the city of Napa. The area occupies a volcanic caldera near San Pablo Bay, giving this estate-grown Malbec a distinctive geographical identity within Napa Valley.

The 2023 Malbec Farrow Ranch Block 17 blossoms dramatically with air. Over several days, it becomes increasingly expressive and perfumed, revealing the flashes of vibrant blue fruit and flowers that make Farrow Ranch so singular. Matured for 22 months in 80% new French oak, the nose is fragrant and alluring. Scents of cassis and blueberry are accented by wafts of Earl Grey tea, garrigue, wet clay and meaty undertones, and its oak spice is expertly integrated. The full-bodied palate is elegantly styled with understated ripeness and pure, perfumed flavors. It has a seamless structure of powdery tannins, succulent acidity and a very long, floral finish. This especially elegant varietal Malbec from Devil Proof should be long lived in the cellar. 97+ (EB)

The 2023 Farrow Ranch Vineyard Blocks 18 & 19 is a blend of 66% Malbec and 34% Cabernet Sauvignon. It's deeply herbal, floral and quite expressive, a wine that impresses with its textural polish and excellent focus. Impeccably balanced, the 2023 is a velvety, enticing wine with a deep vein of graphite minerality that builds through the mid-palate and explodes through the finish. Plum jam, sweet pipe tobacco and rosewater saturate with striking persistence. (BN)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2008 Catena Zapata "Argentino" Malbec Mendoza, Argentina. The tasting note reads: "97 points Wine Advocate: 'The 2008 Argentino Malbec is a blend of 65% Adrianna and 35% Nicasia fruit. It, too, spent 24 months in 100% new French oak. The Argentino offers a similar aromatic and flavor profile but with just a bit of extra nuance, presumably because of the blending. Dense, rich, and voluptuous, this lengthy effort should easily achieve its 20th birthday in peak form. It will be most enjoyable to taste these three wines side-by-side in another 10-15 years. (JM)' (12/2011) 95 points Vinous: '(more or less 100% malbec, according to winemaker Alejandro Vigil): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, espresso, stone and bitter chocolate, with a violet topnote emerging with air. Wonderfully sweet and silky but also quite penetrating, with a remarkably urgent quality to the crushed berry flavor."

Plain and simple, this is delicious, organic malbec, perhaps the best $15 and under version we've tasted all year. It is produced from 15 year-old vines in sandy, rocky clay in the high (5,500 feet plus) elevations of Cafayate, Argentina. A brief four month elevage in used French oak helps to add some texture without taking away from the wonderful fruit. Rich dark fruit aromas lead to a seriously structured palate, full of dark plum fruit and a refreshingly dry, serious quality.

Probably the most austere among the three Adrianna Vineyard malbecs. Arresting nose already, with a touch of white pepper to the deep black and blue fruit. Huge depth and profoundness, but at the same time it is so fresh. The difference is more obvious on the palate if you compare this with the Mundus Bacillus Terrae and Fortuna Terrae bottlings. This shows the claws of the mineral tannins, which are a little less fleshy than Mundus, but with more tension. Seamless, taut and long. Drink from 2026. (ZS)

Founded in 1858, Gundlach Bundschu has deep roots in Sonoma Valley, where the Bundschu family continues to run the winery. Its 2014 “Estate Vineyard” Malbec offers a California expression of a grape historically associated with southwestern France and now widely grown in Argentina.

Located on the outskirts of Mendoza City, Bodega Sottano creates classic wines by blending grapes from the region's best terroirs. This is their classic Malbec, sourced from vineyards in the Uco Valley and in Lujan de Cuyo and it delivers just that, classic Malbec. Fermented in Stainless steel and then aged in used barrels for nine months, this has the higher-toned fruits and aromatics from the Uco vineyards balanced with the body and texture from Lujan de Cuyo. There is a mix of ripe berries, dark and red fruits, with touches of spice and chocolate.