Don Miguel 2006 Gascon Malbec 88 points

Gascón Malbec (Mendoza); $12

Getting past the giant blast of oak that dominates the bouquet is not an easy task, but the intrepid wood chopper will find another side to this wine, one that’s full of bright, juicy black fruit and syrupy core sweetness. Of course, the oak is always present and with that comes mocha, coffee and vanilla notes.