Mairena Bonarda 2010, Ugarteche, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza (£11.45 Cupari Wines)
I like the sweet rich berry and blackcurrants fruit backed up by a savoury/meaty note, but I’m in two minds about whether that chocolate-wafer-biscuit-like oak is just a little OTT – some will love it. B+

Trapiche Broquel Bonarda 2009, Mendoza (£10.99 Tesco)
There’s a mellow, old-style Rioja feel here, with fresh savoury berry fruit glistening in a sweet smooth vanilla overcoat. Good earthy finish too. S-

Gimenez Riili Perpetuum Premium Malbec 2011, Maipú & Uco Valley, Mendoza (£11.95 Cupari Wines)
Reasonable berry fruit with herby overtones and a touch of cola, but while it’s not to bruising in style, there’s a minty/bandage-like feel here that speaks of brettanomyces and dries out the finish. B-

Hacienda Del Plata Zagal Malbec 2010, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza (£11.25 Cupari Wines)
Starts of in gentle plummy fashion then blossoms in the glass to reveal fresh, spicy berry fruit tinged with liquorice and herbs. This really grew on me over the course of several hours. S-

Monte Quieto Quieto Malbec 2010, Ugarteche & Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo & Vista Flores, Uco Valley (£10.95 Cupari Wines)
Fleshy but also aromatic, with classic violet notes on top of the plummy, berry and blackcurrant flavours, and something a little exotic too – passionfruit? Rich, warm and welcoming wine, concentrated but never too big for its boots. S(-)