Lagarde D.O.C. Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Mouth-filling flavors of mocha, dark chocolate, black plum. Aged in French oak for 12 months. The grapes come from 100-year-old vines that are tended to by an 82-year-old vineyard manager. Good acidity and a pleasant grip on the finish. 654681 14% XD 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 88/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Terrazas De Los Andes Afincado Malbec 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Terrific structure yet the tannins don't accumulate in your mouth like an astringent car crash. It remains full-bodied and fresh with ripe fleshy dark fruit. A towering wine of distinction. 29280 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 91/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: A towering wine with terrific structure and depths of violet-blackberry aromas. Round, smooth and supple with whiff of vanilla smoke in the background. 14% XD 750 mL  $20.00 Score: 93/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Kaiken Icon Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: This as yet unnamed flagship wine for Kaiken is breath-taking in it's scope and depth. It's made by blending Malbec grapes from different vineyards that the estate owns. Classic, deep, rich and redolent of dark fruit and smoke. A wine for collectors. 14% XD 750 mL Score: 95/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Zuccardi Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: A profusion of black fruit and smoke on the nose followed by fleshy ripe berries and black cherries on the palate. A dark-spiced infused finish. Another wine from this winery that tastes at least twice as expensive as it costs. 741520 14% XD 750 mL  $20.00 Score: 93/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Trapiche Finca Las Palmas Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Made from grapes grown in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, this spicy-black-fruited wine has wonderful depth and concentration of flavor. It was aged 18 months in French oak. A lovely tobacco-infused finish. 1009646 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Trapiche Vina Frederico Villafame Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: This vineyard is planted at 1102 meters above sea level and displays dazzling black cherry and coffee-spice notes. 11023911 14% XD 750 mL  $39.99 Score: 92/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Graffigna Centenario Centario Reserve Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Full-bodied, generous and supple with aromas of dark plums and berries. Soft tannins and nice depth. 93724 14% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 89/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Limited Edition Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Beautifully structured, elegant and restrained. Mature blackberries and black cherries. Aged in French for 12 months. 14% D 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 92/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Limited Edition Sangiovese 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Evocative of a field of wild raspberries with other dark fruits. Dark chocolate infused finish. Made from grapes grown on 75-year-old vines. 14% D 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 91/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Limited Edition Syrah 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: My favorite wine in a terrific line-up from this producer. Generous, balanced and plush. Aged 12 months in French oak. Aromas of violets, cinnamon and blackberry. Superb. 14% D 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 96/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Tomero Reserva Vistalba Semillon Chardonnay 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: A lovely mingling of pineapple, lanolin, lime and lemon notes in this blend of 90% Semillon and 10% Chardonnay. Great acidity and weight on the palate with excellent persistence of flavors. This wine was aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. 14% XD 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 88/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Crios Dominio Del Plata Torrontes 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: A heady cloud of lychee, white flowers, peach and lime. Juicy fruit that's not dry or bitter. A lovely finish to a long day makes this a perfect 9 pm wine. 14% XD 750 mL  $15.00 Score: 91/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Finca El Portillo Salentein Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Lime-fresh, not herbal or grassy with an excellent mouth-watering attack of acidity. Refreshment defined. 13% XD 750 mL  $12.00 Score: 89/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Trapiche Finca Las Palmas Chardonnay 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: Butterscotch-rich with aromas of ripe pineapple and vanilla spice. Great depth and length. Full-bodied. Aged in French oak for 9 months. 11128659 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 92/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Finca Flichman Reserva Malbec 2007, Argentina, Argentina: Deep, rich, ripe purple and dark plums mingle with blackberries and dark spices. Supple, robust and smooth, this wine delivers lots of quaffable flavor and pleasure. Perfect for casual get-togethers. This wine will be available in the Vintages August 15 release, though you may find it elsewhere before then. Drink: 2009-2009. 746727 13.50% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 88/100. June 12, 2009 Full Review

Viña Cobos Bramare Malbec 2006, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: A deeply powerful, concentrated and extracted wine with aromas with black fruit, smoke and mocha-rich coffee. This wine was aged 18 months in French and American oak and wasn’t fined or filtered. Full-bodied, supple with a warm finish. Drink: 2008-2014. 123729 15.10% D 750 mL  $39.95 Score: 92/100. June 20, 2009 Top Rated Red Wine. Full Review

Navarro Correas Gran Reserva Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Full-bodied with meaty aromas of blackberries and black plums. Deep concentration with a licorice-infused finish 28928 14.50% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 88/100. June 20, 2009 Full Review

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Sourced from old vines grown high in the foothills of the Andes mountains, this terrific value consistently delivers. Enjoy it with hearty fare. My note: Fleshy black raspberries and cherries with some cedar smoke in the background. An eminently quaffable wine for barbecues and potlucks. Fantastic value for the money. 640490 14.50% XD 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 89/100. June 20, 2009 Full Review

Finca El Origen Reserva Malbec 2007, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Fantastic value for this spicy, black-fruited number. Full-bodied with supple layers. It’s perfect for barbecue and nights when you want to wear your faded jeans. This wine was aged 9 months in French oak. 65664 14.50% D 750 mL  $14.95 Score: 88/100. August 1, 2009 Full Review

Masi Passo Doble Malbec Corvina 2007, Tupungato Valley, Argentina: Love it! Pleasantly tart cherries, blackcurrant and blackberries in this full-bodied wonder. The vineyards are at an altitude of 950-1050 meters above sea level. The wine is a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% semi-dried Corvina grapes and uses a double fermentation technique for extra richness. Terrific balance and acidity. Great food companion to many robust and meaty dishes. 620880 13.50%  750 mL  $16.50 Score: 88/100. July 11, 2009 Full Review

Masi Corvina Malbec 2007, Tupungato Valley, Argentina: A sublime wine of incredible depth and dimension. On the nose, blackberry, cassis, black cherry and mocha. This wine is a blend of 70% Corvina and 30% Malbec grapes. It was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Lovely length. You do need to decant this wine for 1-2 hours: I left it open overnight and it was fabulous the next day. 79095 14.50% D 750 mL  $29.95 Score: 90/100. July 11, 2009 Favorite Red Wine. Full Review

Jaure Malbec Gran Vecco 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: A juicy and delicious red with aromas of black plums and black cherries. Supple with mouth-watering acidity that makes it a versatile partner for many hearty meat dishes. Drink: 2009-2011. 111111 14% D 750 mL  $17.10 Score: 87/100. September 2, 2009 Full Review

Finca Sophenia Reserve Malbec 2008, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Finca Sophenia’s Reserve Malbec has earned high praise over the last several years from members of the wine press. With Michel Rolland as consultant winemaker here, more accolades are sure to follow with the latest vintage. Cultivated in the foothills of the Andes and aged in French oak for 8 months, this complex, deeply concentrated wine exhibits aromas of plums, cherries and violets along with notes of mint and dried fruits. Especially good with carnivorous feasts. My note: A savory, meaty, mouth-watering red with full-bodied notes of black cherry, blackberry, cassis and smoke. Supple and smooth. 66837 13.50% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 89/100. September 12, 2009 Full Review

Benmarco Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: A tasty Malbec with 10% Bonarda that was matured for 11 months in 50% new French oak and 50% one year in American oak. Blackberries, purple plums, cassis, anise and tobacco leaves. Medium- to full-bodied with a smooth texture. 657601 14% XD 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. September 12, 2009 Full Review

Maipe Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: A dense, dark wine with full-bodied notes of oak, blackberry, blackcurrant, cassis and tobacco. Excellent palate-whacker! 93823 14% XD 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 87/100. September 26, 2009 Full Review

Navarro Correas Coleccion Privada Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina  70078 14% XD 750 mL  $15.95. September 22, 2008 Full Review

Luigi Bosca Reserva Malbec 2006, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina  79293 14% D 750 mL  $16.95. September 22, 2008 Full Review

Terrazas De Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Juicy and inviting with mocha, violets, blackcurrant and blackberry jam. Luscious layers of flavor and pleasure. 29280 14% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. October 24, 2009 Full Review

Santa Julia Familia Zuccardi Reserva Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: A satisfying, well-made wine for the money. Rich and balanced without being heavy. Juicy dark plums, berries and dark spices. 429761 14% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 88/100. October 24, 2009 Full Review

Argento Reserva Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: Argento’s Reserva Malbec offers unbelievable value. The purple-coloured 2008 features ripe raspberry, black cherry and sandalwood aromas, leading to a medium full body featuring more ripe berry fruit flavours and hints of cocoa, supported by mild tannins. Toasty oak notes are prominent on the medium-long finish. My note: Simple and full-bodied with black fruit. 135160 13% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 85/100. November 7, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Chakana Yaguareté Collection Malbec 2009, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: A new vintage and a new label, but the same high-quality, value-priced Malbec from Chakana that we released on June 20, 2009. Made in what is quickly becoming the popular Argentine style, it is filled with berry and stone fruits (raspberry, blackberry and plum) and shows remarkable balance. There is a lot of pleasure to be had here. My note: Simple and tasty, but you can’t beat the price. Full-bodied with straight-forward notes of black plums and berries. Knock it back! 3509 14% XD 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 87/100. November 21, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

Valle Las Acequias Correas Las Acequias Malbec 2005, Mendoza, Argentina: Robust, rustic and full-bodied with big, hulking aromas of blackberries and black plums. Dark chocolate on the finish with some blackberry preserves. Vanilla spice gives it a kick. 138412 14% XD 750 mL  $15.25 Score: 89/100. November 21, 2009 Full Review

Kaiken Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Mind-blowingly great for the money! Bring it on: maybe a case please? Deep, rich, full-bodied, supple, blackberry ripe, fleshy, rolls on forever. Drop me off at home and good night. 58339 14.50% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 89/100. December 1, 2009 Full Review

Zuccardi Q Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: A terrific full-bodied red with exuberant notes of black raspberry and blackberry and some coffeed oak on the finish. Superb effort! 723478 14.50% D 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 90/100. January 23, 2010 Full Review

Alamos The Wines Of Catena Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Loads of ripe dark plums up front, with cassis at the mid-palate and a violet-infused finish. Some pepper and rose petal notes in the background. This wine was aged for 9 months in American and French oak. Terrific quaffer! 467951 13.50% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 89/100. January 23, 2010 Full Review

Kaiken Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: Vintages Wine Panel: This bold Malbec features attractive aromas of blueberry, black raspberry, mocha, cinnamon and sandalwood. It’s dry and medium-full bodied, with ripe mixed berry fruit and good concentration on the palate. A lively ribbon of acidity dances against a backdrop of smooth, ripe tannins and a creamy texture, culminating in a lingering finish. An outstanding value and a great match for a. My note: Mind-blowingly great for the money! Bring it on: maybe a case please? Deep, rich, full-bodied, supple, blackberry ripe, fleshy, rolls on forever. Drop me off at home and good night. Part of the Vintages Essentials Collection. 58339 14.50% D 750 mL  $16.95 Score: 89/100. January 23, 2010 Full Review

Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2007, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Eighty percent of this wine was aged in French oak barrels for a year. A deep, rich, full-bodied red with generous dollops of blackberry and smoky black plum aromas. Lip-smacking delicious with a finish that rolls on. 50849 14.50% D 750 mL  $19.95 Score: 90/100. January 23, 2010 Full Review

Viña Cobos Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: A full-bodied crowd pleaser with lively aromas of mixed dark berries, mulberry and coffee. Supported by a fair kick of savory notes in the core and lovely hickory-infused finish. Drink: 2010-2015. 118067 14.50% D 750 mL  $20.95 Score: 88/100. January 23, 2010 Full Review

Norton Reserva Malbec 2006, Mendoza, Argentina: Black fruit and smoke dominate in this robust, tasty red. Decant for 2 hours. Great wine for all types of meat. 17061 14.70% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010 Full Review

Santa Julia Reserva Familia Zuccardi Malbec 2008, Mendoza, Argentina: A rollicking good Malbec with tasty notes of blackberries and plums. Round, supple and generous. Perfect for movie night. 429761 13.50% XD 750 mL  $14.25 Score: 87/100. February 20, 2010 Best Value Red Wine. Full Review

La Posta Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2007, Mendoza, Argentina: A delicious robust quaffer that goes down slippery fast. Dark blackberry liqueur and some dark spices. So good. 75515 13.50% D 750 mL  $16.75 Score: 89/100. March 6, 2010 Full Review

Saurus Select Familia Schroeder Malbec 2006, Patagonia, Neuquén, San Patricio Del Chañar, Argentina: A juicy, purple wine with liqueur jammy berry flavour. Full-bodied. 55459 14% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 87/100. March 20, 2010 Full Review

Eldredge Shiraz 2006, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia: Vintages Wine Panel: Eldredge is a small family winery located in the picturesque Clare Valley. Winemaker Leigh Eldredge uses 100% Clare Valley fruit to create premium wines like the Blue Chip Shiraz. Blue Chip indeed, as this wine definitely reflects the unique character of this region. The 2006 is newly released and has yet to be reviewed, but past vintages have won countless awards and rave reviews internationally. Expect a full-bodied and generous Shiraz bursting with dark berry fruits, spice and toasty vanillin oak. Enjoy now or anytime over the next decade. My note: Holy smokes is this wine alive! Vibrant and deep aromas of purple-black plums and berries. Plush, opulent texture with a gorgeously long finish. Wow, simply wow. 963678 15% D 750 mL  $25.95 Score: 94/100. June 20, 2009 Full Review

Inniskillin Niagara Estate Discovery Series Malbec 2007, Okanagan Valley, Canada  987917 13% D 750 mL  $24.99. October 19, 2008 Full Review

Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Reserva Malbec 2008, Central Valley, Chile: Tasty depths of black-purple plums, blackberries and black raspberries. Toasty hickory smoke wafts through the basket of fruit. Full-bodied, supple and warm. Invites to sidle up next to the bottle like an old friend at the bar. 94060 13.50% D 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 86/100. September 2, 2009 Best Value Red Wine. Best Beef Wine Full Review

Chocalán Gran Reserva Malbec 2006, Maipo Valley, Chile: A lip-smacking tasty red with terrific aromas and flavours of black plums, blackberries, smoke and dried tobacco leaves. A tarry middle gives this wine a black heart and lots of depth and concentration. Perfect for barbecues. 144394 14% D 750 mL  $24.95 Score: 89/100. February 6, 2010 Full Review

Terrunyo Vineyard Selection, Concha Y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Pirque, Maipo Valley, Unfiltered, Chile: Terrific savory and meaty notes of bacon, blackberry and dark spices. Some leather and cigar box in the background. Good balance and nice acidity for food to balance its richness. 562918 14.50% XD 750 mL  $34.95 Score: 93/100. June 20, 2009 Full Review

Château Combel La Serre Malbec 2004, A.C., Cahors, Southwest, France  130302 12.80% XD 750 mL  $18.95. October 19, 2008 Full Review

Clos Du Chène Vignobles Jean-Bernard Saby & Fils Malbec 2005, A.C., Cahors, Southwest, France  129064 12.40% XD 750 mL  $15.95. August 10, 2008 Full Review

La Fée Violine Cahors Château Armandière Malbec 2005, A.C., Southwest, France: A dark, brooding wine that’s perfectly paired with the Twilight series of books. Opens with blackberries, dark spices, anise, fennel and a lovely weave of smoke. Very satisfying for those who love full-on flavour. 147967 12.50% D 750 mL  $12.95 Score: 88/100. January 9, 2010 Full Review

Château Armandière Bernard Bouyssou Malbec 2005, A.C., Cahors, Southwest, France: Big, black and bold with robust aromas of black fruit and smoke. Full-bodied- and delicious. Buy a case for your next party. 725580 12.90% XD 750 mL  $13.95 Score: 86/100. February 6, 2010 Full Review

Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand: Grassy, lime-citrus and still great at this price. Lively and zesty with mouth-watering acidity. Wonderful! Drink: 2011-2013. 199968 13% XD 375 mL  $10.95 Score: 88/100. February 19, 2011 Full Review

Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2008, California, United States: Classic, textbook Cal Zin in all its glory! Drop-to-your-knees ripe brambleberry, blackberry and blueberry with coffee-dark chocolate weave. Supple and full-bodied. Someone fire up the barbecue … now! 719211 15% D 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 90/100. May 1, 2010 Full Review

Tamas Estates Zinfandel 2007, Central Coast, California, United States: Juicy, lively and bursting with fleshy ripe purple and black plums, blackberries and dark spices. Full-bodied and terrific! Perfect for potluck gatherings. Drink: 2010-2014. 14% XD 750 mL  $15.95 Score: 90/100. April 28, 2010 Full Review