Malbec: Pay what you will

Argentine Malbecs pack complex notes of “mocha, berries, lavender, and spice” into wines that can cost $10 bottle—or well over $100, said Dave McIntyre in The Washington Post. In my experience, you typically needn’t spend more than $20 to “get a sense of what Malbec has to offer.”

2008 Trapiche ($9)

This wine starts out a “bit heavy” and can lack balance, but compensates with a grassy scent and berry flavors that leave a “delicious mouthful nonetheless.”

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2008 High Note ($12)

Out of the bottle, this spicy, aromatic wine is “very floral” but lacks depth. Give it 30 minutes: “This wine keeps getting better in the glass.”

2006 Mapema ($20)

Changing with every sip, this “rich and lively” wine has aromas that range from herbal rosemary to musky damp leaves.