This is a deep rich ruby, showing a little age. A sweet nose, with warm fruit and a little soft oak, leads to a spicy rounded palate, a hint of vanilla from the oak, and lovely balance. An excellent example of a straight malbec, and very good value, it makes an interesting comparison with its stablemate, Carinae Cuvée Philippe, a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, which is also on our list.