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.
Château du Cèdre 2009 Le Cèdre Malbec (Cahors)
- Cellar Selection
- $60
One of the two top wines from Cèdre, this selection is named after the cedar tree in the winery’s courtyard. It’s elegant and powerful, and its weight comes from the firm tannins, sweet fruits and fresh acids. The structure is present, but it’s the ripe fruit that is seductive. Age this for many years.
— R.V.
(3/1/2013)
Château du Cèdre 2009 GC Malbec (Cahors)
- Cellar Selection
- $130
A ripe, new-wood-dominated wine, this is smooth and polished in feel, while the powerful tannins of rich Malbec are preserved. It’s dense, dark and concentrated, and the plum and blackberry fruits are layered with the dry, firm tannins and are lightened by the juicy acidity. This needs at least 6–7 years to show its best.
— R.V.
(3/1/2013)
àMaurice 2009 Amparo Malbec (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
- $47
Malbec has been a shining star at this winery, but this bottling is the best yet. Estate grown, big and fruity, this wine is generously soaked in barrel flavors of spice and toast, cocoa and Bourbon. Lush and juicy, the fruit more than holds its own, and it’s nearly irresistible.
— P.G.
(4/1/2013)
Monteviejo 2008 Lindaflor La Violeta Malbec (Mendoza)
- Editors' Choice
- $125
Much like the previous vintage of La Violeta, this is a fabulous Malbec with depth, density and power to spare. The bouquet yields marzipan, cola, fine leather, char and rich berry aromas. That sets up a palate with impeccable structure and huge flavors of beef jerky, mocha, black fruits and spice. The finish is massive and loaded, with licorice and mocha flavors…
— M.S.
(6/1/2013)
Château Lagrézette 2009 Le Pigeonnier Malbec (Cahors)
- Cellar Selection
- $290
A small vineyard of six acres is used to produce this magnificent incarnation of Malbec. Black as ink and firmly tannic, a toughness magnified by new wood, this is still a richly fruity wine that will age superbly to give power and complexity. Keep for at least four years.
— R.V.
(6/1/2013)
Krutz 2007 Krupp Vineyard Malbec (Napa Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
- $50
A brilliant Malbec, among the greatest ever produced in California. It’s fat and opulent, shocking the palate with massive flavors of blackberries, blueberries, plums, cola, peppery spices and sweet, smoky sandalwood. Firm tannins hold everything in place, while the finish is thoroughly dry. Only 100 cases were produced, but it’s worth a search.
— S.H.
(7/1/2010)
Viña Cobos 2010 Bramare Malbec (Luján de Cuyo)
- Editors' Choice
- $44
This lush, modern Malbec explodes with power then simmers with complexities. Opaque in color, the bouquet issues intense blackberry, lemon peel, graphite and toast aromas. In the mouth, it’s full but not flabby, and then comes an avalanche of black-fruit flavors matched by notes of spice cake, molasses, pepper and mocha. It’s warm, toasty and full of licorice on…
— M.S.
(5/1/2013)
Viña Alicia 2008 Coleccion de Familia Brote Negro Malbec (Luján de Cuyo)
- Editors' Choice
- $90
This small-production Malbec is superb. The bouquet smells mossy, earthy, dense and loaded with smooth berry aromas. It’s lush, deep and well balanced on the palate, with powerful black-fruit flavors along with fudge, tobacco and cola notes. The feel, flavors and length are all top quality. Drink now–2018; only 230 cases were made.
— M.S.
(10/1/2012)
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