The 2009 Don David Malbec received the same elevage as the Cabernet. It sports an alluring nose of cedar, spice box, lavender, underbrush, and black cherry, leading to an elegantly-styled, friendly, crowd-pleaser of a Malbec. It, too, is a good value that will provide enjoyment over the next 3-4 years. Michel Torino is a reliable producer of value-priced wines from Cafayate.Importer: Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel. (212) 355-0700

A disjointed, out-of-the-box Malbec that starts out peanutty and earthy on the nose. Things round out aromatically, but in the mouth it’s angular and edgy, with stunted blackberry flavors offset by tartness. Has its positives but overall it doesn’t fully click. ——M.S.(11/1/2011)—— 84