Gougenheim Malbec 2010 Argentina

Deep purple garnet colors with maraschino cherry, ripe bing cherry and green peppers on the nose, while contrasting with sour cherry and white pepper on the palate. Medium plus tannins open nicely to reveal a simple but solid Malbec.

Navarro Correas Coleccion Privada Malbec 2008 Argentina

Dark bluish ruby tones marked by abundant texture and opacity, and visibly thick in the glass, this wonderful Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina is a full bodied powerhouse of fruit.

Aromas stand out up front showing fragrant violets, ripe blueberries and strawberries.... followed by chewy flavors of plum and red raspberry/strawberries, finishing with a soft smoothness that lingers nicely. Paired very nicely with a hanger steak, and a great deal at about $10 retail.

Callia Alta Malbec 2014

This broad shouldered red Malbec from Argentina has me leaning towards Malbecs again.

This one is from the Tulum Valley in Argentina's province of San Juan. Cold fermented and aged for 3 months in French and American oak.

Ruby and purple colors reflect the resinous raisin and spice aromas while deep flavors of black cherry, cloves and cinnamon enter the mix. Accented nicely by eucalyptus and green pepper and ending with an autumnal finish lingering on the palate. All for $10!

Viña Antigua Malbec Bonarda 2008 Argentina

The brand manager for this wine from Argentina raved about how great a value it is. OK, I'll bite, I generally like what the country is doing with wines anyway, but this one just floored me.

50% Malbec blended with 50% Bonarda, attractive aromatics of violets, plum and chocolate, against a tasty palate of cola, glycerine, with fresh fruit showing blueberries and strawberry followed by a slightly bitter finish and very mild tannins.

Astica Malbec 2011 Cuyo Argentina

Made with hand-harvested grapes from vineyards throughout the Cuyo/Mendoza region of Argentina, just east of the Andes, this stainless steel fermented 100% Malbec is a decent showing for the price (ranges from under $4 to $7).

Dark ruby colors in the glass, pastel aromas of violets and blueberry under a palate of blackberry and spice, pepper and hints of mint or eucalyptus, with a medium finish.

Viña Maipu Sublimis Malbec Limited Edition 2008

From Medoza Argentina, made from 100% Malbec and aged eight months in oak barrels, this full bodied red shows inky, opaque blue, ruby coloring in the glass. Beginning with vegetal, green pepper aromas, jammy berries, and black cherries, followed by dark fruit flavors of cassis, plums, ending with hints of anise and mint that add additional layers of flavor.

Viña Maipu Malbec Roble 2008 Argentina

From the Andes foothills in Mendoza, Argentina, this Malbec shows deep hues of blackberry, bold aromas of raspberry with resinous accents of blue fruits. On the palate ribbons of raspberry pie, prunes, and cassis blending nicely to finish with sexy accents of spices and dried fruits, reminding me that fall is here. A great value for about $15.

Wine & Spirits panels tasted 2,195 wines that sell for $15 or less. Among these, the panels chose the 100 wines that offer the best quality-price ratio (the top values). The Vina Maipu was one of five Argentinian wines among the "100 Top Values of the Year"

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec 2006 Argentina

From Mendoza comes this wonderful Malbec that seems to be thriving in the dryer climates of Argentina. Deep purple hues preview aromas of violets, figs and chocolate with faint layers of green peppers. Then revealing chewy blueberry flavors and ripe plums with a creamy, syruppy thickness that finishes into a fruity lushness that stays with you.

Monteviejo Blend 2006 Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina

Made with a blend of 80% Malbec, 17% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Merlot, very dark, and lush opaque blackberry colors, and plumy syrupy textures.

Aromas of cassis and blueberries with flavors of ripe black cherries, hints of spices including cinnamon powder and cloves, finishing with dark cocoa powder, and chocolate, with a suggestion of smoke and oak.

Tannins, which are strong at first, allow for good aging but do settle down nicely to reveal a fruity and lush Malbec blend.

Bressia Profundo 2006 Argentina

OMG. What a powerful first impression?! This wonderful red reminds me why I love wine so much.

From Mendoza, Argentina the Bressia family produces this blend of 50% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 10% Syrah. Spending 10 months in French and American oak barrels, then aging in bottle for 12 months, this beauty shows dark ruby with purple undertones coloring the glass, with aromas of cinnamon, strawberry, blackberry, caramel, and chocolate. On the palate sensuous waves of nutty vanilla coming from the oak barrels, flowing over hints of tobacco, and jammy, lush red cherries. Sumptuously textured and revealing a complex and memorable finish.

Lieb Cellars Bridge Lane Red Blend 2012

Lieb Cellars produces this excellent affordable red blend from the North Fork of Long Island. A second label for Lieb, Bridge Lane is a Bordeaux style blend of 46% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec aged 12 months in French oak barrels.

Dark red cherry colors with intense aromas of balsamic, vanilla, and root beer candy, flavors of ripe raspberry jam, black cherry, cola, and spice with a long, smoky, cedar finish. SRP is $20 and 12.9% alcohol.

Besides the 750 ml bottle, it is also available in 3 liter boxes (equal to 4 bottles), and... get this... a 19.5 liter Keg! which is equal to 26 bottles or 130 glasses. Sounds like a great idea for any big event.

Pine Ridge Carneros Merlot 2005

This Pine Ridge 2005 Carneros Merlot from the Napa Valley/Carneros region of California is 98% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Malbec and aged 15 months in French oak barrels. It shows dark aromas of blackberries, cherry and blueberry with notes of coffee, tobacco and cedar. The flavors are bright, but balanced, with flecks of oak and a finish of chocolate. Lush flavors combined with a silky texture allow for a nice finish. This is ready to drink now, or you can lay it down for 10 years. SRP is $45. I tasted this wine at the California Wine Month expo at Espace on west 42nd street in NYC.

Gimenez Riili Malbec 2005 Mendoza Argentina

Dark and opaque plum colors, with a bouquet of black fruits, cedar and wild underbrush, set against vivid flavors of black plum, cherries, smoke and tobacco.

Macari Vineyards Rose 2008

Made from a blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Pinot Noir, and 4% Malbec, this rose from the North Fork of Long Island is perfect for the beginning of summer.

Showing colors of pale pink copper with fresh aromas of grapefruit, watermelon and some floral notes of hibiscus. The flavors range from white peach and sour apricot to orange zest, a hint of eucalyptus and a spot of papaya.

Retails for $14.99, 12.8% alcohol.

Full Disclosure: I received this wine as a sample.

Callia Bella

From Bodegas Callia in Cauceta, San Juan, Argentina comes Callia Bella, a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Malbec. 

Dark purple in glass, verdant cassis aromas with violet undertones, hints of ripe plum atop purple and blue fruits, on the palate very juicy, sweet and chunky, red raspberry with ripe cherry and vanilla beans. Great buy for around $10.

Macari Rose 2010

To me, sometimes fruit is a better thirst quencher than a simple glass of water. And the Macari Rose 2010 from Long Island's North Fork is a case in point. The wonderful wet aromas of a freshly cut watermelon... luscious ripe strawberries picked this morning... and juicy red berries previewing the bright flavors of fresh squeezed cherries and contrasting nicely with hints of citrus to balance things out. And ending happily with a smooth and long finish.

The blend by the way is 70.7% merlot, 14.5% Cabernet Franc, 9.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5.6% Malbec with 13.8% alcohol. This is a summertime must-have at $15 SRP.

See another review of this wine by Eric Guido

J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

This Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California is made from 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah, 4% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot and 1% Malbec-- quite an intense mix, but it works. Stainless steel fermentation, then 14-16 months in oak casks. Bright reddish purple in color with strong fruity fragrance of cherries cedar and blackberries, and cherry soda, chocolate and vanilla on the mouth. Enjoyed this with a cheeseburger at a new restaurant in Forest Hills called Bonfire Grill, at $9.50 a glass. 13.8% alcohol.

G.Washington Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

This remarkable blend of 85.6% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Alexander Valley, 10.4% Petit Verdot from Andrus Island Vineyards in Clarksburg and 4% Malbec from Lodi's Cinque Terre Estate Vineyard, is aged in oak for 18 months. It has deep ruby colors and shows aromas of ripe cherries, tobacco and black fruits, while the palate exudes rich flavors of cassis, dark chocolate and coffee with cedar undertones leaving you with a beautiful acidity and great finish.

G.Washington is truly a gem, especially at am SRP of $26. If you shop around you might find it for a bit less. Available at Windsor Wine Shop in NYC, Jolson's Fine Wines in Astoria and Eaglehouse W&S on LI.

Hahn Estates Meritage Central Coast 2006

From Monterey, California, a Meritage is a Bordeaux style blend using Cabernet and Merlot... this one also has Petit Verdot and Malbec in the mix. On the nose a thick and intense syrupy aroma of ripe cherries, with juicy flavors showing herbal influence, swathed in violet powder and a mild vegetal edge. Tried this at a tasting at The Wine Room of Forest Hills last weekend.

Macari Vineyards Dos Aguas 2007

From the Macari Vineyards in Mattituck, Long Island's North Fork, comes this blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec. The four grapes used here are also found in many Bordeaux, usually with a bit higher percentage of Cabernet. But this blend really makes for an interesting variation on the theme.

The nose makes a statement immediately with notes of mint, vanilla, black cherries and cassis, and the deep dark ruby colors bring weight to the table. What follows on the palate is cola with creamsicle, stewed prunes, muted citrus rinds and smoky soft tannins with a silky finish.

The "dos aguas" name is a testament to the Peconic Bay and the L.I. Sound which contributes to the Terroir, and dedicated to the Native American people who had such a high regard for the Land.

About Macari Vineyards

Macari Vineyards, located on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island in Mattituck, is owned and operated by the Macari Family. The business is led by owners Joseph Macari Sr. and his wife, Katherine, and Joseph Macari Jr., who is at the helm of the winery with his wife, Alexandra. Though Macari Vineyards was established in 1995, the Macari Family has owned the 500 acre waterfront estate for nearly 50 years. In this time, they have been careful environmental stewards of the land. What were once potato fields and farmland has become a vineyard of 180 acres of vines with additional fields of compost, farmland, and a home to cows, goats, Sicilian donkeys and ducks.

Macari is on the cutting edge of viticulture and is dedicated to a more natural approach to winemaking. Joseph Macari, Jr. is recognized as a pioneer in the movement towards organic and sustainable farming on Long Island, employing principles of biodynamic farming since the vineyard’s first plantings. Extensive soil preparation, rich composts, careful cover cropping and a consideration to wildlife and terrain makes Macari's 180 planted acres stand out from the rest. Taking into account the health of the environment as a whole, and moving away from the harmful effects of pesticides to a more natural and meticulous caretaking of the soil and plants, ultimately yields premium wines.

Full Disclosure: This sample bottle was given to vignauvavino compliments of Macari Vineyards.