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!

 

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).

READ MORE:

ARGENTINA BREAKS FREE WITH SOME OF ITS GREATEST WINES EVER
$15 WINES THAT TASTE LIKE $50: CHILEAN PINOT NOIR
GREAT VALUE WINES: 8 AMARONES UNDER $65 FROM THE BEAUTIFUL 2015 VINTAGE

Tasting Notes

Catena Zapata Malbec Mendoza Adrianna Vineyard River Stones 2017
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Catena Zapata Malbec Mendoza Adrianna Vineyard River Stones 2018
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Vintage 2018
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Malbec Mendoza Fortuna Terrae 2012
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Vintage 2012
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Neyen Malbec Valle de Colchagua Espíritu de Apalta Limited Edition 2016
Country Chile
Region Valle Central
Vintage 2016
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Susana Balbo Wines Malbec Valle de Uco Los Chacayes Nosotros Single Vineyard Nómade 2016
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Vintage 2016
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Terrazas de los Andes Malbec Paraje Altamira Valle de Uco Los Castaños Parcel N 2W 2017
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Terrazas de los Andes Malbec Gualtallary Valle de Uco El Espinillo Parcel N 2016
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Vintage 2016
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Terrazas de los Andes Malbec Valle de Uco Single Parcel Los Castaños 2012
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Vintage 2012
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Terrazas de los Andes Malbec La Consulta Valle de Uco Single Parcel Los Castaños 2011
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Vintage 2011
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Cobos Malbec Mendoza 2017
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Viña Cobos Malbec Mendoza Cobos Chañares Vineyard 2014
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Vintage 2014
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Cobos Malbec Mendoza 2013
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Vintage 2013
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Viña Cobos Malbec Perdriel Luján de Cuyo Cobos 2011
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Vintage 2011
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Wendouree Cabernet Malbec Clare Valley 2012
Country Australia
Region South Australia
Vintage 2012
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN

Zuccardi Malbec Valle de Uco Paraje Altamira Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal 2017
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Vintage 2017
YOU NEED TO BE A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER TO VIEW THIS CONTENT.

Access more than 150,000 tasting notes

Hundreds of new wine ratings published each week of wines just released or about to be released into the market

Get advanced alerts every time a new tasting report is published

Wineries and wine-selling organizations are required to take out a Business Subscription ($399/year) or a Corporate Subscription ($999/year) as these provide a copyright and trademark license to use JamesSuckling.com content and scores for marketing and sales, as well as ready-to-use POS materials for all wines.

SUBSCRIBE OR LOG IN