Malbec
Malbec is a hearty red grape of French origin that is now exceedingly popular in Argentina. Originally called the “black wine of Cahors”, Malbec is also one of the five Bordeaux varieties. In Argentina, the grape typically produces wine of excellent color and concentration, with juicy berry and black fruit flavors coupled with medium acid and moderate tannins. You can use Wine Enthusiast’s online Buying Guide to find the top-rated Malbec among our extensive Malbec wine reviews and easy-to-use database. Our Malbec reviews will give you a general idea what to expect from wines made from Malbec, and will help you find one that best suits your needs.
Showing 1 thru -9 of 2,396
Bodega Catena Zapata 2006 Nicasia Vineyard Malbec (Mendoza)
- Cellar Selection
- $120
If the color doesn’t tell the full story, the nose will: it’s impeccably perfumed, round and sweet, with amazing fruit aromas and a toasty background. The feel is as lush and rich as they come, and there’s outstanding purity to the lusty black fruit flavors. A masher with elegance. Maybe the best Malbec Argentina has ever produced. Drink from 2011–15.
— M.S.
(7/1/2010)
Bodega Catena Zapata 2005 Nicasia Vineyard Malbec (Mendoza)
- $123
Features intoxicating pastry, blueberry, cola and coffee aromas in front of a minerally, terroir-packed palate of soft black fruit, chocolate, fine herbs and other character-aiding touches. The mouthfeel is fabulous and the finish of Swiss chocolate and integrated spice is as smooth as silk. Drink now through 2011.
— M.S.
(8/1/2009)
Bodega Catena Zapata 2005 Argentino Malbec (Mendoza)
- $123
This blend from the Nicasia and Adrianna vineyards is the best Malbec on the market today. There’s raisin, mineral, licorice, blackberry and more. The mouth is like a Mack truck on ice skates, meaning it’s both huge and elegant. And the mile-long finish of coffee, mocha and molten black fruit is awesome. Drink now through 2013.
— M.S.
(8/1/2009)
Château du Cèdre 2006 Le Cèdre Malbec (Cahors)
- Cellar Selection
- $60
Almost black in color, this is a wonderful wine with a long development ahead. At the moment, wood is still too dominant, but just taste the weight of the darkest plum and sweet fig fruit flavors, a line of licorice and bitter coffee and huge, dry tannins.
— R.V.
(3/1/2010)
Bodega Catena Zapata 2006 Argentino Malbec (Mendoza)
- Cellar Selection
- $120
Stately, stunning Malbec with alluring aromas of balsam wood, flower petals, cocoa and cola along with major league berry action. The palate is saturated, pure, tannic and loaded with blasting berry fruit, licorice and more. Let it age for at least another year or two (maybe more). Then let it rip with a porterhouse steak.
— M.S.
(7/1/2010)
Jean-Luc Baldès 2008 Clos Triguedina Les Galets Malbec (Cahors)
- Editors' Choice
- $25
Using fruit sourced from a single vineyard with great sun exposure, this wine takes its name from the stony soil. It provides great balance between the dense black fruit and the taut, minerally texture, expressing the essence of Malbec in Cahors. It certainly needs several years of aging.
— R.V.
(3/1/2013)
Trapiche 2006 Viña Federico Villafañe Single Vineyard Malbec (La Consulta)
- Editors' Choice
- $50
Probably the best value in high-end Malbec from Argentina is Trapiche’s single-vineyard series, which in 2006 was led by this bottling from an Uco Valley vineyard. It’s lush, perfectly ripe and full of cola, black fruit and intensity. There’s nary a chink in its fiber, and the rush of fruit that hits the palate followed by layers of subtleties is impressive. Great…
— M.S.
(7/1/2010)
Trapiche 2009 Finca Jorge Miralles Single Vineyard Malbec (La Consulta)
- Editors' Choice
- $50
This is a real blaster of a Malbec, showing power, concentration and subtleties. The bouquet is full of graham cracker, cola, monster berry and moss notes, while the pure, driving palate deals flavors of toasty blackberry, spice, mocha and more. The lengthy but mellow finish hums like a fine-tuned machine. Drink now–2018.
— M.S.
(10/1/2012)
Showing 1 thru -9 of 2,396
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