Vintages Release: June 8, 2019

89 
Bodega Toneles ‘Tonel 46 – Reserva’ 2015
Uco Valley, Mendoza $17.95 (629808) 13.5% alcohol
The price-quality ratio skews well in your favour, pick up a few. It was fermented in concrete tanks with indigenous yeasts then matured in used French-oak barrels. This is dark plum, almost opaque in colour with a nose delivering aromas of damp leaves, smoke, ash, and dried fruit. It’s medium-full bodied on the palate with a moderate amount of tannins and juicy balance of fruit and acidity. There are flavours of cherry and vanilla, with some background sensations of dried herbs, and a long tart and fruity finish. This is drinking very well right now and will do so for the short-medium term. Enjoy with lasagna. (Dave Isaacs)

Vintages Release: October 12, 2019

91 
Luigi Bosca ‘Single Vineyard’ Malbec 2016
DOC Luján de Cuyo (74922) $29.95 14.0% alcohol
This single-vineyard gem, from vines averaging 70 years of age, was aged 14 months in French oak. Ripe dark fruit aromas, touched by notes of cedar, exotic spice, mint and balsamic reduction, waft easily from the glass before a torrent of cherry, plum, spice and mocha flavours coat the rich-tasting palate. Dry, medium-full bodied with well-integrated tannins and clean acidity, it finishes medium-long, warm and smooth. Pair with grilled rib-eye steaks. (Lisa Isabelle)

Vintages Release: March, 2020

90 
Kaiken ‘Ultra Las Rocas’ Malbec 2017
Uco Valley, Mendoza $19.95 (50849) 14.5% alcohol
Twelve months of ageing in French oak barrels, one-third of which were new, has given this malbec a varied nose of wet leather, smoke and cut wood with additional nuances of dried fruit and dried herbs. It has a medium body, great balance of acidity and firm, but silky tannins. Jammy flavours of blackberry with hints of smoke, linger in a pleasantly tangy finish. This’ll keep nicely in the cellar for another four years. Decant for an hour before serving, and enjoy with an after-dinner selection of aged, hard cheese. (Dave Isaacs)

Vintages Release: TBD 2019

90 
Clos de Los Siete 2015
Mendoza $23.95 (622571) 14.5% alcohol
Famous Libournais œnologist, Michel Rolland, is behind this ruby-hued blend—58% malbec/23% merlot/10% cabernet sauvignon/8% syrah, 1% petit verdot. The nose is complex with mature aromas of dry cherry, stewed plum, baking spice, licorice, burnt sugar and tobacco. A harmonious cocktail of fleshy sweet and savoury flavours aligned with aromas is showcased with cocoa notes and a perfect balance of fine tannin, acidity and fruitiness on the palate. This is full-bodied with good depth and the promise of longevity. Aerate/decant two hours and pour now to 2025 with pork loin stuffed with dried fruit. (Louise Boutin)

91
Luigi Bosca ‘Terroir Los Miradores’ Malbec 2016
DOC Uco Valley, Mendoza $32.95 (568899) 14.4% alcohol 
This excellent wine is opaque black plum in appearance with a wonderfully varied nose of smoke, black pepper, dry wood, vanilla, blackcurrant, and dried herb aromas. It’s medium-full bodied on the palate with firm tannins and a good zap of tang that balances flavours of blackberry and dark chocolate. The finish is delicious, tart and fruity with hints of mocha. This’ll keep for five or more years. Aerate/decant a couple of hours before enjoying with now with braised lamb shank ravioli. (Dave Isaacs)

91 
Susana Balbo ‘BenMarco - Dominio del Plata’ Malbec 2016
Mendoza $18.95 (657601) 13.5% alcohol
This cool-climate malbec from Susana Balbo exudes aromas of fresh ripe blackberry, plum compote, lilac and mineral notes. Medium-bodied and silky-textured on the palate, it wakes-up the senses with bright acidity—red plum, tangy raspberry and ripe blackberry—wrapped up in mellow tannin with a complementing dry sage note emerging mid-way through the fruity, dry, mid-length finish. Enjoy with a hearty homemade lasagna. (Louise Boutin)

90 
Luigi Bosca Malbec 2016
Mendoza (452672) $18.95 13.8% alcohol
This well-structured malbec delivers a medley of expressive aromas—dark cherry and plum, sandalwood, vanilla, and burnt sugar. A dense core of dark, ripe fruit is garnished with sweet vanilla, baking spice and earthy flavours on the palate. Dry, medium-full bodied and nicely-weighted with velvety tannins and mouth-watering acidity, succulent plum and vanilla flavours resonate through the persistent finish. Enjoy alongside grilled skirt steak with chimichurri sauce. (Lisa Isabelle)

88

Susana Balbo ‘Críos’ Malbec 2018
Mendoza $15.95 (162529) 14.0% alcohol
With its opaque plum appearance, it appears ink-like in the glass. There are hints of earth, dry moss and vanilla aromas on the nose. It’s medium bodied with a very pleasant balance of acidity interwoven with flavours of coffee, plum and strawberry. The tannins appear in the background on the palate then grow to dominate the finish, suggesting that this wine will benefit from a year or two in the cellar. It’s a good match for grilled beef burgers. (Dave Isaacs)

92
Achával Ferrer Malbec 2015
Mendoza $29.95 (24737) 14.5% alcohol
The slight brick-coloured tinge to this wine’s opaque cherry colour hints at a little bit of age. The nose is a complex medley of coffee, wood, smoke, and fresh sage, mixed with fruity aromas of cherry and plum. It’s medium bodied and jammy on the palate with a fantastically smooth balance of acidity, fruit flavour and firm, approachable tannins. There are flavours of tart raspberry and chocolate, which gently fade to a pleasantly tangy finish. This is drinking perfectly now and will keep another four years. Enjoy with medium-rare, grilled steak. (Dave Isaacs)

• The following two wines were a tad late to make the ‘Malbec World Day Special Edition’ – you can still see that tasting by going to our website www.winecurrent.com and clicking on ‘Special Features’ on left side, and then clicking on VQA Ontario feature.

91 
Chakana ‘Estate Selection’ Malbec 2016
Valle de Uco, Mendoza $19.95 (219261) 13.0% alcohol
There’s excellent value here; it’s inky-black hued and brimming with aromas—red currant and cherry intertwined with dark berry fruit, smoky notes and black plum. It spreads over the palate with great élan; a riveting stream of pie cherry and crunchy red currant riding a bracing line of lip-smacking tang. This has good texture, character and underpinning of soft, ripe tannin. Give it a go with a thick cut of fine beef, grilled medium rare. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2016 Manos Negras ‘Atrevida’ Malbec is available online for ‘Delivery to Home’ or ‘Deliver to Store’ (of your choice) with only 23 bottles available at time of writing – one would have to act quickly, or wait until release day, April 27 and pick up at a nearby store.

90   
Manos Negras ‘Atrevida’ Malbec 2016
Mendoza, Argentina $17.95 (494518) 14.0% alcohol 
This is exceptionally well priced. The quiet nose of floral and cherry/berry aromas sets the stage for a creamy-smooth stream of tangy red cherry and rich ripe berry fruit interwoven with spice and flecks of cocoa. It’s medium-bodied with persistent purity of fruit, deft balance and lengthy, delectable finish and aftertaste. Pour alongside your favourite grilled meats or a meat-lover’s pizza. (Vic Harradine)