Susana Balbo Crios Malbec 2023, Valle De Uco, Mendoza, Argentina: Susana Balbo Crios Malbec from Valle de Uco displays ripe blackberry, dark plum, lavender and a touch of sweet baking spice. It's dry and medium-bodied with supple tannins and lively acidity that keeps the concentrated fruit vibrant through the finish. Serve it at room temperature alongside beef and mushroom lasagna where the wine's rich fruit and smooth texture complement the savory layers, or pair it with grilled pork tenderloin rubbed with herbs where the wine's bright acidity cuts through the meat's richness while echoing the aromatic seasonings. Susana Balbo, who graduated in 1981 as Argentina's first female enologist from Don Bosco University in Mendoza, crafts this 100% Malbec from sustainably-farmed grapes grown at 1,050 meters elevation across different subregions of Valle de Uco, then ferments it in stainless steel with 40% spending eight months in well-used French oak barrels for added complexity. The wine's label features three connected and overlapping hands inspired by a Mayan artifact, representing Susana and her two children José and Ana who now work alongside her, and "Crios" translates to "offspring" in Spanish, symbolizing both the next generation of the Balbo family and wines designed for youthful enjoyment. Susana Balbo was inducted into the Decanter Hall of Fame in 2024, becoming only the second woman in the Americas to receive this prestigious honor. Enjoy this approachable Malbec through 2032. Drink: 2026-2032. 162529 14% XD 750 mL  $18.95 Score: 92/100. February 21, 2026 Magnificent Meat Pizza Wine Full Review

Emiliana Novas Stellar Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Carignan 2023, Maule Valley D.O., Chile: Emiliana's Novas Stellar Selection from Maule Valley is a seamless, full-bodied red wine blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Carignan with notes of wild cherry, red berry, savory herbs and earthy minerality. This dry, organic and vegan-friendly wine displays fine tannins and wonderful purity that make it thoroughly satisfying. Serve it at room temperature with herb-roasted leg of lamb as the wine's garrigue notes complement the rosemary and thyme, or pair it with grilled duck breast where the wine's balanced structure stands up to the rich meat. Winemaker Noelia Orts crafts this exceptional-value blend showcasing Chile's prowess with French varieties, sourcing organically grown grapes from the Maule Valley where old vines and diverse terroirs create wines of remarkable transparency and complexity. Emiliana is one of the world's largest organic wine producers and has been certified organic since 1998, pioneering sustainable viticulture in South America with biodynamic practices across all their estates. This deft demonstration of Chilean winemaking represents outstanding value and will drink beautifully through 2028 and beyond. Drink: 2026-2028. 35672 13.50% XD 750 mL  $17.95 Score: 92/100. January 24, 2026 Best Value Red Wine. Terrific Turkey Wine Full Review