Tasting Report: Malbecs for Fall 2026
Every declining empire eventually presents the same magic trick: debase the currency while publicly insisting it has never held higher value and reverence. American wine pricing has absorbed the lesson well. Malbec, a grape spending most of its history as a humble tenant in the cellars of the working class, continues to experience inflation normally reserved for the 100-point Parkeratti of Wine. Bottles once asking a reasonable price now demand tribute. Prestige labels, the aristocracy of any bull market, have taken to pricing themselves like sovereign debt.
Somehow, supply multiplies in obedience to demand, as it always does in the final stages of any speculative romance. What inflation has purchased, at least, are certain improvements. Ambitious producers are rewarded and quality continues to elevate. The conversation around Malbec is no longer the exclusive property of France and Argentina but can now also be claimed by domestic upstarts minting their own currency. Thankfully, good value can still be found by those willing to audit the books.
Now in its second year, we present an autumnal audit of recent Malbecs, from everyday considerations to the ostensibly cellar-worthy, in preparation for cold months and potentially even colder experiences with relatives during the holidays.
2025 Mendoza Vineyards Heroes Malbec Lujan de Cuyo – Created in tribute to the Argentina Men’s National Team for the 2026 World Cup. Unlike that team, this offering does not fall short of expectations: cherry, dark chocolate and coal running throughout, with herbs and a bit of soil eventually cutting through. Also unlike that team, this has a classy finish which lingers nicely and doesn’t attempt to start fights after the final whistle. One to pick up if you’re still in mourning, or cellar for the next four years. There’s always hope things will get better from here. A- / $50
2021 Nico Malbec Gualtallary – Not to be confused with the Nico line produced by Luca (I know). Another year brings yet another expression to the expansive portfolio of Laura Catena and crew. Deep notes of raspberry and cherry run throughout, along with layers of blueberry, thyme, cassis and a touch of menthol. Nothing here really stands out and everyone plays together nicely. Traces of cedar plank also appear on the finish, allowing savory elements to amplify. It needs a bit of time and air, but once this finds its footing, it’s a wine that will endear itself to the most devoted Malbec mavens. Stacks up against its siblings commanding double the price, and one to open during a celebration in the cooler months. Quite lovely. A / $120
2024 Zuccardi Concreto Malbec Valle du Uco – Without the reliance of oak barrel aging, this Zuccardi skips the dark fruit jam session and showcases herbaceous and mineral notes on the nose. The dark fruit eventually comes into focus on the palate, full of juicy plum and raspberry. However, that minerality returns in a big way on the finish. It’s a lively Malbec just slightly off the beaten path, and shows just how versatile and beautiful Malbec can be in the hands of a competence. A- / $45
2020 Château de Mercuès Les Evêques Malbec Cahors – The brooding quality and boldness of this Vigouroux offering is usually reserved for the heaviest of Mendoza malbecs, and not something one would normally expect from the French. Blackberry, plum and Lapsang tea form a dense core that runs throughout, with a palate that recedes ever so slightly with an appearance of dark cherry on the palate and a finish providing a tinge of campfire smoke. Drink now if your curiosity gets the best of you, but allow for an adequate amount of time before serving. Otherwise, keep this around for 2028. A- / $35
2022 Illaria Malbec Napa Valley – A Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon blend of 84% and 16%, respectively. Initially dense with blackberry and blueberry, it eventually opens up with layers of dark chocolate, raspberry and rosemary. The oak pulls its weight on the finish, with touches of vanilla, graphite pencil and minerality lingering. This has aged 22 months in the barrel, and would likely do well with an equal measure of time in the cellar. B+ / $50
2023 Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec Lujan de Cuyo – There is a familiar and appealing medley immediately present that Malbec fans will appreciate: big notes of cherry and plum with cola, blackberry and chocolate all making appearances over time. Moderate acidity and tannins give this a good structure and make it a sensible weeknight pairing with a quick and easy meal off the grill to show off some of its charms. Still consistent and an excellent value purchase. For now. B+ / $20
2025 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Malbec – Domaine Bousquet has made some branding changes over the years to their expansive lineup, so it may be hard to tell what is what without looking closely. However, this one stays the same and is all the better for it: dark fruit, baking spice and cedar work their way to a palate big on berries and earthy notes. The good acidity keeps matters from turning too beefy, and the floral lift keeps it easy drinking. A dependable release that hasn’t really increased in price over the years. Picking up one to age, one to have on hand to entertain uninvited house guests and one for now isn’t the worst idea. B+ / $22
2024 Waterbrook Malbec Columbia Valley – Sometimes Malbec can show up being big, purple-faced and loud: the equivalent of a sweat-drenched guy who chicken-struts off the dance floor at a wedding to scream-explain cryptocurrency to everyone within earshot at the open bar. Westbrook doesn’t do this. It shows up lighter-bodied but still comes fully stocked with personality and restraint. Opening aromas of raspberry compote and blueberry threaten to make this a fruit bomb. But the threat is diffused on the palate, where darker tones of blackberry and black tea meld with violet and dark chocolate amidst good acidity and gentle tannins. A rare find of quality and affordability in a domestic market that leans overblown and inflated. B+ / $20
2022 L’Atelier Crocus Malbec Cahors – A collaboration between Paul Hobbs and Gabriel Vigouroux. Intense blackcurrant supported by strawberry makes for a less-than-silent introduction, with notes of black pepper and plum as it winds its way to the finish, where a mild touch of chocolate settles things down nicely. Give this a year or so tucked away somewhere and the dividend will pay off. B / $22
2023 OG de Négoce Lot 518 Napa Valley Malbec – I got this wrong. I was hoping that a year or so tucked away would yield improved results. It did not. This Napa Valley interpretation of a traditional Mendoza Malbec didn’t really move the needle in a positive direction, and it the dark fruit compote still dominates over all else. It’s a perfectly serviceable bottle, but it doesn’t really stand out in the crowd the way something from Napa ought to. B / $22
2023 Trivento White Malbec Mendoza – Affordable and slightly unassuming, notes of white flower and herbs are evident at the start. However, with a bit of time, the wine develops more dimension to reveal a citrus edge of guava and hints of mango. It’s approachable and quite youthful, and one to have around that is more of a curiosity than a go-to. B- / $13
2024 La Posta Pizzella Malbec Mendoza – A perennial everyday Malbec staple for years in our house, this year’s vintage failed to meet the standard. The hallmark raspberry and violet notes on the nose are still there, as is the plum, pepper and spice on the palate. But it never seems to really sort itself out and results in a jammy, overbearing affair. If possible, seek out older vintages. C / $18
2025 Be Calm Malbec Argentina – All the usual suspects are present and accounted for: blackberry, plum, cinnamon, pepper and pencil shavings. However, it is so watered down that it becomes a laborious, sometimes painful, chore to even slow sip this. Best served in a chilled glass. Then, calmly, pour that glass straight down the drain immediately, muttering a silent apology to the drainage pipes. D / $10
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