The 2003 Malbec Afincado is inky purple with brooding, cedar, pencil lead, blackberry, and black cherry aromatics. It has a deep core of fruit, layered flavors, ripe tannins, and a lengthy finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years of additional bottle age and drink nicely through 2020. Importer: Moet-Hennessey USA; www.mhusa.com

Quite dense and ripe, with prune, earth and rubber on the nose. The depth of color coincides with the meatiness and grapiness you find on the palate, which is pleasing but modest in depth and complexity. Weighs in as a full, easy, chewy wine. ——M.S.(11/1/2006)—— 88