Perdriel Coleccion Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (about $13)

About the Wine:  Argentina is best known for its Malbecs.  Personal experience has been that Cabs from there are, at best, a hit and miss proposition.  Hopefully this is one of the hits.

About THIS Wine:  This one is blood red in the glass with a crimson rim.  French oak dominates the nose, but hints of fruit peek out.  The palate is bone dry with a solid tannin structure.

Drinking This Wine:  This is a real beast of a wine and it wants some food to go with it.  Steak would be good.

Overall Impression:  This is no South American fruit bomb.  This is a serious Cab.  It's not quite at the level of the greats Cabs of Napa, but it is on its way.  At this price, this wine is a steal.

Ninety Plus (90+) Old Vine Malbec Lot 23 2014 (bout $12)

About the Wine:  90+ is a concept brand that is essentially rebottlings of wines that have gotten ninety or better ratings.  They do not specify what vineyard the wine is from, nor who rated it.  It makes it an iffy proposition because there is no consistent style or wine making philosophy.  That said, if you're looking for a value then there are definitely worse ways to do it.  Wine prices tend to increase with their ratings.  I had forgotten it, but I actually rated their 2010 Malbec a few years ago here.

About THIS Wine:  It is nearly opaque in the glass with a dark purple rim.  Black fruit and spice are prominent on the nose.  It does not have the weight of a Syrah, but it has many of the same notes.  The palate is heavy with a firm, tannic finishing.  Malbec is not generally an aging grape, especially at this price, but this could do with a few more years.

Drinking This Wine:  After a little air it will make a good pairing with a lighter red meat dish.  Some kind of grilled beef without any heavy sauce would work.

Overall Impression:  Per the brand's promise, the wine delivers well above its price point.  This is a good value.

Terra Vega Syrah 2012 (about $11)

About the Wine:  One way to make wine Kosher, regardless of source is to cook it, making it "Mevushal."  Unfortunately, this has a sever negative effect on the taste of the wine.  However, Kosher winemakers have begun to use flash pasteurization to minimize the damage while retaining the ritual qualities necessary to satisfy your annoying uncle.

About THIS Wine:  In the glass this wine is an opaque purple with a very dark purple rim.  The nose is extremely jammy, as I would expect from such a young Syrah. I also do get some smoky notes.  The palate is a little tight and more tannic than I would have expected, though it is not entirely surprising given how young the wine is.  Fruit comes through nicely in the finish.  This is somewhat reminiscent of the more classic Bordeauxs, which were processed in such a way as to bring the tannins to the front of the palate and that is why those wines needed so much time to age.  Why a new world wine maker would do this with something they were releasing young I cannot say.

Drinking This Wine:  This is definitely a food wine and one that benefits from decanting.  Enjoy with lighter red meat dishes like shepherd's pie or beef and noodles.

Overall Impression:  This is a full and robust wine with some real depth.  At eleven dollars a bottle it is a good value.