Catena Lunlunta Old Vines Appellation Malbec 2018, Mendoza, Argentina: From the Mendoza wine region, Catena Lunlunta 2018 Malbec is a fresh and expressive Malbec with bright blueberry, violets, earthy tones and savoury spice flavours on the palate. Grapes are whole-cluster fermented with 50% of the wine matured in oak. Very nicely done. Drink: 2021-2023. 11769 13.50% D 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. March 5, 2021
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Catena San Carlos Cabernet Franc 2018, San Carlos, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: San Carlos 2018 Cabernet Franc is produced by the iconic Cantena family. This is a full-bodied Cab Franc elegant with rich and ripe raspberry, red plum, blueberry flavours and well-integrated supple tannins finishing long and elegant. Drink: 2021-2023. 450106 13.50% D 750 mL $22.95 Score: 93/100. March 19, 2021
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Pulenta Estate III Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina: Pulenta Estate III 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is ample with dark berry, blueberry, cherry plum and savoury herb flavours harmoniously balanced with vibrant acidity and rich tannins. Drink or hold. Drink: 2021-2024. 17454 14% D 750 mL $29.95 Score: 93/100. April 2, 2021
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Marcelo Pelleriti Winemaker Series Malbec 2018, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: Marcelo Pellerito 2018 Malbec is fresh on the nose with pink roses, cherry, raspberry, red plum and white pepper aromas. On the palate, the wine is dry, vibrant with plum, blueberry, red berry, cinnamon, toffee, vanilla and subtle spicy flavours with a velvety finish. Pour with a mixed grill. Drink: 2021-2022. 17456 14% D 750 mL $21.95 Score: 91/100. June 12, 2021
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Mascota Unánime Malbec 2017, Mendoza, Argentina: Mascota Unánime 2017 Malbec is produced from sustainably grown grapes from the Mendoza wine region. Dry, medium-bodied, elegant and graceful with ripe blackberry, citrus zest and savoury herb flavours fresh and lingering on the palate. Drink or hold. Drink: 2023-2026. 24862 14.50% D 750 mL $26.95 Score: 94/100. January 7, 2023
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Trapiche Reserve Malbec 2023, Mendoza, Argentina: This plush red is dry, full-bodied, and generously weighted with 14% alcohol. It brims with ripe blackberries, plum preserves, dark chocolate, and a whisper of smoky spice from oak aging. Serve it just below room temperature to let those velvety tannins shine.Pair it with grilled ribeye, mushroom risotto, or a rich lentil stew — it’s a crowd-pleaser that plays well with both meat and meatless mains.
Fascinating fact: The current winemaker, Sergio Eduardo Casé, crafts this wine using fruit grown at the foot of the Andes, where the high-altitude vineyards help preserve freshness and structure. Trapiche is one of Argentina’s most awarded wineries globally — not bad for a label that started in 1883 with just a tiny vineyard and a steam engine.
Also: if this wine had a dating profile, it would say “bold, smooth, and great with dinner.”
This Malbec offers rich flavour at a friendly price. I’m giving it 91 points — a terrific value for what’s in the glass.
Tried this wine? Tell me what dish you served with it — I’m always looking for dinner inspiration! Drink: 2025-2028. 614651 13.50% D 750 mL $14.95 Score: 91/100. August 15, 2025
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Trivento Reserve Malbec 2023, Mendoza, Argentina: A plush, fruit-driven red with aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, and blueberry, accented by notes of violet, cocoa, and a touch of vanilla from oak aging. It’s medium to full-bodied, dry, and velvety on the palate, with smooth tannins, fresh acidity, and 13.5% alcohol lending balance and depth. Serve it at room temperature to let its fruit and spice unfold. Fascinating fact: Trivento, named for the “three winds” that sweep across Mendoza, has become Argentina’s best-selling Malbec brand worldwide, showcasing the grape that defines the region. This Reserve Malbec is crafted for enjoyment now but will age gracefully for 4–6 years, gaining complexity with time. Drink: 2025-2028. 160994 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100. November 22, 2025
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Perez Cruz Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Maipo Valley, Chile: A superb Chilean Cabernet at an incredibly great price. Aromas of ripe blackberry, dark plum and a whisper of smoke. Full-bodied, smooth and supple with a long, satisfying finish. Perfect for hearty meat dishes and hard cheeses. Drink: 2024-2026. 694208 14% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 93/100. September 20, 2024
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