2003 Pirramimma Shiraz -- McLaren Vale, Australia

CBM - Newington -- $25

The thing that really leaps out on this one is the incredible mouthfeel. The fullest bodied wine in recent memory. Lots of nice fruit and plenty of hints of vanilla and spices.

Wine Spectator: 92

Our rating: A--

Mark and Sasha

2005 Michel Torino Torrontes Don David Reserve -- Cafayate Valley, Argentina

CBM - Newington -- $16

Thanks to Val for introducing us to this one. A very nice crisp, dry white. Loaded with citrus, especially grapefruit. A good value, we'll buy it again.

Wine Spectator: 86

Our rating: B+

Mark and Sasha

2002 Vina Dona Paula Malbec Seleccion de Bodega -- Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina

CBM - Wallingford -- $30

We tasted the Vina Dona Paula premium Malbec in our horizontal tasting, and it did very well (A--). This is the super-premium, using the best hand-selected grapes from the same harvest, and the difference shows. This is probably the best wine we have tasted in the last three months or more. Very smooth and balanced, loaded with delicious fruit, lots of interesting mineral notes.

Wine Spectator: 91

Our rating: A

Mark and Sasha

2004 Clos de los Siete -- Argentina

CBM - Newington -- $15

Thanks to Jodi for introducing us to this one. It's made by Michel Rolland, probably the world's top wine consultant (many top Bordeaux houses use him). This year's blend is 50% Malbec, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. It's a high alcohol wine, but balances it well with lots of ripe berries and mellow tannins. Good finish. A great value. We bought half a case.

Wine Spectator: 88

Our rating: B-

Mark and Sasha

2004 Yangarra Estate GSM Cadenzia -- McLaren Vale, Australia

CBM Newington -- $26

This wine is 50% Grenache, 40% Shiraz and 10% Mourvedre. Great color. Lots of plum and other fruits. It packs a punch (15% alcohol), but it balances it well. A very nice bottle.

Wine Spectator: 93

Our rating: A--

Mark and Sasha

2004 Mendoza Malbec Horizontal Tasting

2004 marks the third very good year in a row for Argentine Malbecs. While it does not equal 2002, the best vintage in a generation, it seems to be on a par with 2003. We conducted a non-blind horizontal tasting of Mendoza Malbecs, all purchased from CBM Newington.

Bodega Lurton Reserva Mendoza, $10: Everyone scored this one lowest. Some slightly unpleasant vegetative aromas. Lacks balance. Rating: C

Bodega Budini Mendoza, $10: For the price, this one is a good value. Nice fruit and some vanilla notes. Rating: B-

Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Mendoza, $16: This one came near the top of most people's list. Nice color. A smooth drinking wine with lots of fruit, toasted oak, and vanilla. Rating: B+

Michel Torino Don David Reserve Cafayate, $17: Divided opinion on this one, with some giving it top honors and others unimpressed by it. Lots of black currant. Perhaps a little out of balance (hot). Rating: B-

Mauricio Lorca Opalo Vistaflores Vineyard, $17: Everyone definately had this one rated in the top half. This one is unoaked, so the Malbec character really comes through. Smooth and fruity. Some vegetative notes in the aroma. Rating: B

La Posta del Vinatero Angel Paulucci Vineyard, $16: Another one with divided opinion. Drier than some of the other offerings. Smooth with some candied fruit in the nose. Wine Spectator gave this one an 88. Rating: B

Vina Dona Paula Lujan de Cuyo, $12: The winner. Many people rated this number one, and at this price, it's a great value. Big fruit, chocolate, coffee. Wine Spectator gave it an 89. Rating: A--

Dominio del Plata BenMarco Mendoza, $25: Again, divided opinion. Good berry fruit and mineral notes. Slightly hot. For the price, we expected a little more. Wine Spectator gave it a 90. Rating: B++