Cueva de las Manos Malbec 2007

Two winners from Argentina include the 2009 Malbec Reserve, a 100% Malbec aged 12 months in a combination of French and American oak. Copious aromas of chocolate, blueberries, blackberries, tar, and spice box jump from the glass of this inky/ruby/purple-tinged wine. Ripe, succulent, and loaded with fruit with silky tannins and a long finish, it will not make old bones, but for drinking over the next 2andndash;3 years, this is a heck-of-a bargain.

Fleshy and ripe, featuring mouthfilling black licorice, blackberry and raspberry fruit. Dark espresso hints mark the full-bodied finish. Drink now.

Two winners from Argentina include the 2009 Malbec Reserve, a 100% Malbec aged 12 months in a combination of French and American oak. Copious aromas of chocolate, blueberries, blackberries, tar, and spice box jump from the glass of this inky/ruby/purple-tinged wine. Ripe, succulent, and loaded with fruit with silky tannins and a long finish, it will not make old bones, but for drinking over the next 2-3 years, this is a heck-of-a bargain.

A slice of manchego will mellow the strong tannins of this wine and complement the sweet flavors of cherries and violets, as well as a soft touch of oak. Itrsquo;s rich and juicy.

Round and fleshy, with enticing crushed plum and boysenberry fruit enlivened by a licorice snap note. Fresh acidity lies buried on the medium-weight, juicy finish. Drink now through 2010.

A slice of manchego will mellow the strong tannins of this wine and complement the sweet flavors of cherries and violets, as well as a soft touch of oak. It's rich and juicy.

No wonder Malbec is the hottest grape around, when winemakers can consistently put together reds of this depth, complexity and quality for under $15! Even better than the ever-popular Maipe Malbec from the same winery, the Cueva de las Manos is a Cave of Wonders mdash; boasting beautiful blackberry, currant and black cherry fruit notes, with anise, pepper and smoke. A real winner.