ARGENTINA
MALBEC
94 Mi Terruño 2014 Mayacaba Malbec (Mendoza). Earthy berry aromas include pastry notes, a strong baking-spice component and a welcome level of jammy richness. A fleshy palate sports balance, while handling its size. Flavors of plum and wild berry benefit from a nice application of chocolaty oak, while on the finish this settles on spice, chocolate notes and dryness. Drink through 2030. Copa Fina Imports CA. Editors’ Choice. —M.S.
abv: 14% Price: $42
94 Rutini 2015 Apartado Gran Malbec (Mendoza). Given that 2015 was a tough year in Mendoza, especially for high-expression reds like this, Apartado is an unbridled success. This is round, ripe and complex on the nose, with exotic aromas of cardamom, spiced blueberry and rubber eraser. The palate feels naturally bold, crisp and bright, not manipulated. Flavors of blackberry, boysenberry and mixed spices drop off little by little on the finish. Drink for years to come; cellar through 2035. Graziano Imports. Editors’ Choice. —M.S.
abv: 14.5% Price: $90
Even in the most challenging vintages (2015), Cobos always produces at least one stellar wine, and this is it.
