Catena Alta, Malbec, 2000; Alamos Malbec, 2006: and Pulenta Malbec 2005.
Catena Alta, Malbec, 2000, Mendoza, 14%, €50Huge aromas of figs and plums give way to velvet chunks of berry fruit with elegant vanilla casing, hints of chocolate and leather, rounded tannins and a long, rich finish. From the Corkscrew, D2; Jus de Vin, Portmarnock, Co Dublin.
Alamos Malbec, 2006, Mendoza, 13.5%, €12.99:Another Catena operation, for shallower pockets. Not sophisticated, but it has muscle and lots of vibrant dark fruit. From SuperValu, Ashbourne, Co Meath; Kellys, D3; the Vintry, D6; Costcutter, Termonfeckin, Co Louth; On the Grapevine, Dalkey, and Kiely's, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin; Greyhound, D15; Drinks 4 U, Clane, Co Kildare.
Pulenta Malbec 2005, Mendoza, 14%, €16.50 (until August 31st)This has beautifully pure aromas of violets and damp earth, layers of silky chocolate with dense fruit in the mouth and a totally seductive finish. From Berry Bros & Rudd, D2.