Alamos 2011 Mendoza Selección Malbec ($20)
The best Malbecs from Argentina do a neat trick little trick: They offer deep fruit and enough tannins for some serious oomph—yet come with a beam of brightness that keeps them lively. If that sounds good as spring hits its stride, pick up Alamos 2011 Selección Malbec. Enjoy deep dark-fruit flavors, but a marked lift on the finish—akin to the bright spark at the heart of a boysenberry. It’s a great choice to transition from heavy winter reds to the lighter wines of summer.
By Wini Moranville, Relish wine columnist