Malbec World Day: Our 15 favorite malbecs from the last 10 years

For me every day is Malbec Day so I really don’t see the point of celebrating a Malbec World Day today. But just to add a little excitement to the festivities, here are the 15 best malbec wines ever tasted at JamesSuckling.com since I began the company in 2010.

It should be no surprise that Argentina dominates the best of the best but you might be surprised to see an ancient vine malbec from the winery of Neyen in the Apalta Valley in Chile and an exotic malbec from one of the legendary wineries of Australia, Wendouree.

Three producers dominate the great malbecs of Argentina for us. Catena Zapata’s single-parcel malbecs from the high altitude Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary are unique. I love the way the reds have a racy, sleek generosity while a sexy drinkability when young.

In comparison, Vina Cobos Cobos Malbecs are more powerful and muscular yet they maintain form and tone that gives them energy. American winemaker Paul Hobbs owns and makes the wines at Cobos. I bought a magnum of the 2011 in a steak house in Buenos Aires called Don Julio in February and it was stupendous. It was so integrated and poised with driving fine tannins and precise flavors. I brought the empty bottle back to my office in Hong Kong to remember it!

: James enjoys a ‘stupendous’ magnum of Cobos 2011 in Buenos Aires.

You might know Terrazas de los Andes for its excellent value, large production malbecs but its tiny production, handmade parcel wines are stupendous too, even though they are hard to find. Owners LVMH give head Hervé Birnie-Scott free rein to craft wines with the soul of great tiny production Burgundies but with the flair and attitude of Mendoza.

Susana Balbo and her family and the Zuccardi clan always push the limits on malbec as well at every price level. So their inclusion is more than just.

All the wines are expensive ranging from $115 to $400 a bottle. But you don’t have to buy and drink the best and most expensive malbec to celebrate Malbec World Day.

Scroll down for the full tasting notes and scores (subscribers only).

SHARE ON: