Uko Select Vineyards 2018 Riserva Cabernet Sauvignon - 90pts

Uko Select Vineyards 2018 Riserva Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza) Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $14.99-17.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 19th, 2022

Tasting Notes: An under $20 Cabernet Sauvignon with this much depth and balance should not be possible, but the Uko Select Vineyards brand makes it happen, year-to-year. What the wine lacks in refinement, it makes up for in character and intensity without resorting to tons of added sugar for a faux-richness like too many Cabernet of the same price range from California. The Uko is dense and intense without feeling over-extracted or heavy.

Look for classic dark fruit, throughout, with rustic, crushed-violets and savoury, tobacco and spices on the nose. Finishes dry with a delicious wave of lingering, wild berry acidity making this a very food-friendly Cabernet. Ready to go now. Drink 2022-2023.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Pascual Toso 2019 Toso Estate Malbec - 87pts

Pascual Toso 2019 Toso Estate Malbec  (Mendoza) Argentina

Availability: Widely available at BCLDB store
Cost: $11.99-14.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: October 30th, 2020

Tasting Notes: An extremely well-price, rustic Malbec with pruny berries, licorice, subtle oak and light savoury notes. Full-ish in body with lingering barrel smoke and joyful spices on the moderate-plus finish. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2022.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Tinto Negro 2017 Malbec - 87pts

Tinto Negro 2017 Malbec (Lujan de Cuyo) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: Private wine stores
Cost: $14.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: May 7th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A well-priced, entry-level Malbec, (mostly) dry with a rich and round demeanor, both 'juicy' and 'dark' with some pleasant red and black fruit notes, savoury spices and a touch of chocolate-vanilla. A little sharp on the concentrated, tannin-free, mouth-watering finish. Pair with BBQ sauce-drenched chicken wings. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Kaiken 2015 Ultra Malbec - 91pts

Kaiken 2015 Ultra Malbec (Lujan de Cuyo) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: Private wine stores like Everything Wine
Cost: $30-32 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: May 6th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A dense and dark Malbec, very 'broody' on both the licorice'n'cassis scented nose and the ultra-concentrated palate where flavours of black plums, blackberries, wild herbs and plenty of spice are supported nicely by dusty, fine tannins and wild-berry acidity. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Trivento 2017 Reserve Malbec - 85pts

Trivento 2017 Reserve Malbec (Mendoza) Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $14.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: May 2nd, 2019

Tasting Notes: Has a touch of candied fruit and fruit cake notes, a la Beaujolais, on the otherwise, perfume-y, spiced nose. More feminine in style for the 2017 vintage and, overall, better balanced between its spice, blue fruit and lightly smoked tannin characters. Ready to go now. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Bodega Norton 2018 Barrel Select Malbec - 86pts

Bodega Norton 2018 Barrel Select Malbec (Luján de Cuyo) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $14.49 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: May 1st, 2019

Tasting Notes: Though lacking concentration and a tad watery, this is an accessible, straight-forward and (thankfully) dry Malbec with a pleasing blend of berry fruit, sweet florals and layers of savoury spice and oak notes throughout. A touch of iron on the finish and low-ish tannins make this a nice pairing for leaner cuts of beef like filet mignon. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Bodega Renacer 2017 Punta Final Malbec - 87pts

Bodega Renacer 2017 Punta Final Malbec (Mendoza) Argentina

Availability: Widely available
Cost: $15.99 (BCLDB Stores)
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: April 24th, 2019

Tasting Notes: In the category of budget Malbecs from Argentina, the Punta Final is the bad boy of the group when compared to its fruitier, cherry-berry brothers. There's a nice edge to this wine with a profile of darker fruit and charred oak, and with supporting notes of tar, spices and vanilla. That edge is a bit rough, we're not dealing with an uber-refined Malbec here, but there is true value on offer. Pair with sweet'n'spicy, BBQ pork or chicken. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Rutini Wines 2015 Cabernet-Malbec - 90pts

Rutini Wines 2015 Cabernet-Malbec (Mendoza) Argentina

Availability: Private wine stores like Everything Wine
Cost: $29.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: April 21st, 2019

Tasting Notes: A 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec with a bright and tangy structure supporting ripe, dark and red berry fruit and savoury notes of charred oak, tar, smokey herbs, licorice and chirpy tannins. Finishes long with lingering spices and lip-smacking acidity, perfect for the dinner table and versatile, pairing well with BBQ pork and chicken dishes. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Kaiken 2016 Reserva Malbec - 86pts

Kaiken 2016 Reserva Malbec (Lujan de Cuyo) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: Special order, private wine stores
Cost: $14.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: April 18th, 2019

Tasting Notes: Tonally, a cooler edition of this well-priced Malbec from the Montes family, the 2016 offers a profile of dark and red berry fruit with charred oak and spice on the masculine, developing nose and on the green-ish, spice-driven palate. Finish is moderate with lively wild berry acidity and a hint of mint and tar. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Masi Tupungato 2016 Passo Doble - 87pts

Masi Tupungato 2016 Passo Doble (Valle De Uco) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $12-15 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: April 15th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A very consistent, well-produced blend of Malbec and Corvina, the Passo Doble combines dark berry, smoked hazelnut, light spice and fresh almond notes on the impressive nose and the mouth-watering palate. Finish is a bit short-lived and edges towards bitter, but, when paired with food, you'll hardly notice.

Easiest (and best) pairing is grilled red meat drenched in a smokey-sweet or teriyaki BBQ sauce. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Doña Paula 2016 Estate Malbec - 88pts

Doña Paula 2016 Estate Malbec  (Valle De Uco) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: Private stores like Everything Wine
Cost: $15.99-18.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: October 26th, 2018
Date Re-tasted: April 14th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A typical, fruity/juicy/fresh Malbec from the Valle De Uco in the Mendoza, but happily, with some smokey goodness on appealing, blackberry and violet infused nose and with beautifully integrated spice on the lively, black fruit dominant palate. A drink now Malbec, lacking the tannin structure for a long life, but a well balanced, food-friendly wine that would pair nicely with spicy, grilled meats. Drink now-2020.

Re-tasting Notes: Tasted 6 months later as part of the lead up to the 2019 World Malbec day (April 17th). Still believe this is a drink-now Malbec with a tasty, juicy-smoky profile and light tannins. Crazy good value for this quality-to-price ratio.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Mascota Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon - 87pts

Mascota Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipú District) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $14.99-16.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: April 9th, 2019

Tasting Notes: The 2017 edition of this entry-level Cabernet Sauvignon from Mascota Vineyards (producers of the divine Unanime) is an, overall, more balanced wine. Especially on the palate where, in previous years, wild berry acidity was relied upon to off-set high levels of residual sugar. For 2017, we see a cut back in the RS and the acidity used to keep the palate vibrant and food friendly, a welcomed change and one that better compliments the ripe, yet, brambly, wild berry and savoury spice flavour profile. Excellent value. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Finca Decero 2016 Remolinos Vineyard Malbec - 89pts

Finca Decero 2016 Remolinos Vineyard Malbec (Agrelo) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: Special order, private wine stores
Cost: $23.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 2nd, 2018
Re-tasted: April 3rd, 2019

Tasting Notes: Sourced from a single, high altitude vineyard in the Agrelo appellation of Mendoza and distinguished by a sweet'n'earthy, flower bed note on the feminine, red berry scented nose. Offers good concentration and balance between fruit, savoury, oak and acid components on the full-ish, rounded palate. A lengthy, spice-laced finish lingers pleasantly. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Re-tasting Notes: This uber-smooth Malbec is ageing nicely with an opulent, lushness to the palate that is instantly enjoyable. The alcohol is starting to be noticeable, just a touch, but enough to think the original drinking window is probably still right. Enjoy this beauty over the next year and a half.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Escorihuela 2017 '1884' Malbec - 87pts

Bodegas Escorihuela 2017 '1884' Malbec (Mendoza) Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $17.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: July 23rd, 2018
Date Re-Tasted: March 31st, 2019

Tasting Notes: Keeps to the house style of a feminine and spicy Malbec with concentrated, blue fruit and sweet pipe tobacco characters and smoky tannins, yet the mouthfeel is slightly watered-down for the 2017 vintage which tends to heighten the spiciness without enough body to fully even the overall balance. Still, for the price, we're nitpicking here and this Malbec offers excellent value. Drink now-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Achaval Ferrer Winery 2017 Malbec - 92pts

Achaval Ferrer Winery 2017 Malbec (Mendoza) Argentina

Availability: Private wine stores like Everything Wine
Cost: $34.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: March 23rd, 2019

Tasting Notes: This is an uber extracted, smokey, seductress of a Malbec with an intense, aromatic, black fruit'n'incense scented nose and an equally intense, chewy palate with rounded tannins, dense, dark fruit, smokey spices and bright, fresh blackberry acidity. A fantastic wine for BBQ meats or dark chocolate. Drink 2019-2025.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Mascota Vineyards 2015 Unanime - 91pts

Mascota Vineyards 2015 Unanime (Maipú District) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $28.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: March 22nd, 2019

Tasting Notes: A hedonistic blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec and 15% Cabernet Franc, the Unanime shows lively, dark and red fruit aromas on the fruit-forward, expressive nose with notes of vanilla, sweet incense smoke and herbs in the background. 

The palate that follows is equally fruit-forward with concentrated mixed berry fruit suggesting off-dry levels of residual sugar, yet, the wine is (mostly) dry with a wave of savoury goodness enveloping the fruit mid-palate and through to the long, smoke'n'spice flavoured finish. 

At four years of age, this tasty blend is ready to g now. Drink 2019-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Dominio Del Plata 2016 BenMarco Malbec - 89pts

Dominio Del Plata 2016 BenMarco Malbec (Valle De Uco) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $18.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: October 26th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A very intense and concentrated Malbec from the Valle De Uco in the Mendoza. Fruit forward, though, with a decidedly acidic direction from the balsamic vinegar notes on the, otherwise, fruity/floral nose, through to the bright blackberry and apple cider flavours on the, otherwise, pepper'n'spice palate. Tannins are light and dominated by the fluidity created by the tangy texture and long-ish finish where nice, savoury spice notes linger. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Bodegas Escorihuela 2015 '1884' Cabernet Sauvignon - 87pts

Bodegas Escorihuela 2015 '1884' Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza) Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $17.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: September 11th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A Malbec-y Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza with plenty of lifted, mixed berry fruit on the fruit-forward nose and the medium-plus bodied, (mostly) dry palate. Savoury layers compliment the fruit nicely with a solid structure of smooth tannins, wild berry acidity and cool spice notes. Offers excellent value with no component out-of-place. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Finca Decero 2014 Remolinos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - 89pts

Finca Decero 2014 Remolinos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Agrelo) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: Special order, private wine stores
Cost: $23.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: August 20th, 2018

Tasting Notes: This dry, single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon has intense dark fruit and silky tannins with a touch of added depth from savoury, spice'n'cocoa powder notes and clean, wild berry acidity. Finishes a bit 'hot', not fully incorporating the 14.5% alcohol into the medium-plus bodied palate. Ready to go now. Drink 2018-2021.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Pascual Toso 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon - 85pts

Pascual Toso 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipú District) Mendoza - Argentina

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $15.49 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 16th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A competent Cabernet Sauvignon handled like a Malbec focusing mostly on the juicy, black fruit characters of the Bordeaux variety, though, not without some depth thanks to a smoky, coffee grind edge and leathery tannins on the finish. Ready to go now. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca