Cournon Lafleur Malbec Pays d’Oc 2012, France (£7.99 Majestic)
Simple fresh young wine, plenty of dark, violet-scented berry flavour, and the earthiness of southern France, but I’m not sure whether it’s improved by the vanilla-tinged oakiness. B

Viña Cobos Felino Malbec 2012, Argentina (£9.99-£13.99 Amps Fine Wines, Hennings Wine, Alliance Wine)
A more restrained and less raisinny style than many Cobos wines, but still plenty of juicy blackberry and cassis flavours, plus the smoky edge of reduction. Young, violetty style with a spring in its step. S-

Clos de los Siète 2010, Mendoza, Argentina (£14.99 Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Cambridge Wine Merchants, Avery’s)
Rich, juicy, polished style, very seductive, with the wild spicy and aromatic character of Malbec to the fore, some Cabernet firmness and a supple, heady finish. Yes, it’s a bit flashy, and not afraid to flaunt it’s smoky bacon-y oak, but this feels a little more restrained and earthy than earlier vintages. S(-)