The Food Buster

Sur de los Andes Gran Reserva Malbec 2006
90% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Unavailable on Wine-searcher, but $20 for the 2005 (1 Vendor).
Keeper
Beautiful color. As with other fine Malbecs, jet black, with purplish and orange-reddish tones. Great legs, too.
The fruitiness jumps out in the aroma. It has a humid, forest smell, with fresh flowers, peaches, and cherries [...]

Ala Negra Malbec Reserva 2006
Malbec
$25 on Wine-searcher.
Keeper
Nice, dark, red color. Great, deep reflections. Violet, garnet, and ruby shades, and not too black.
The aroma is soft, smooth, spicy, and herbal—unique for a Malbec. Not too bold either.
Taste is of smoky raisins—very distinct. Warms you in the chest. Great acidity and control—mix of smoky, oaky, and fruity [...]

Cavas de Crianza Malbec
Malbec
$20 for the 2006 on Wine-searcher.
This wine was part of a restaurant tasting, and I didn’t have a chance to see the year.
Intense ruby color. Looks rather nice. Not much in terms of legs.
Fresh, floral aroma, but nothing too strong.
It tastes a bit bitter, but it’s still smooth. Mostly tastes of tannins [...]

Ricardo Santos Las Madras Malbec 2007
100% Malbec
$15-$19 on Wine-searcher.
This is a reserve level wine, though Ricardo Santos doesn’t call it that.
It has a dark, ruby color, with ruby reflections coming through well.
Strong, oak aroma—can really smell the tannins.
Bold oak flavor, but smooth. Bitterness and acidity in the mouth. Leaves you thirsty and burning, but it’s [...]

Las Perdices Malbec Ice 2007
Malbec Ice Wine (Dessert Wine)
$30 on Wine-searcher. 1 Vendor.
Keeper—My Favorite Dessert Wine in Argentina
Incredible for a dessert wine by Argentine standard. Unlike most dessert wines in Argentina, it’s actually fortified, too, so it’s quite sweet.
Great, bright ruby color, like the color of strawberries. Has a great fogginess to it with numerous [...]

Monte Cinco Malbec Reserva 2004
Not available on Wine-searcher
Lovely dark red, jet black color. Lots of tints.
Oaky aroma. Chocolate and nuts are also apparent. Acidity comes through as well. Aroma is very strong.
Taste is great. Oaky, warming, and very nutty. Strong, with a great body (in fact, it’s so heavy that it’s practically a meal in [...]

Monte Cinco Malbec 2003
Malbec
$32 on Wine-searcher.
Keeper
Another Malbec with a beautiful jet black color and tints of violet, orange, and red.
Very fresh forest smell, but even in comparison to other Malbecs, this one is rather strong, with a floral and especially herbal touch to it. Very refreshing.
This is a monstrously big Malbec. It has the most [...]

Ruca Malen Malbec 2006
86% Malbec, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Tempranillo
Bodega Ruca Malen
$12-$18 on Wine-searcher
Nice garnet color, but with very few shades, but some purple.
Burnt rubber, plums, cinnamon, and fruit are very noticeable in the aroma. Rather smoky too.
Interesting taste. Raisins, caramel, and dried plums come through. It’s bitter at first, but it’s also smooth and [...]