The 2007 Zhik Malbec was aged in French oak for 12 months, after which 30% of the wine spent another 3 months in barrel. It is a glass-coating opaque purple color with a brooding bouquet that surrenders scents of sandalwood, Asian spices, floral aromas, underbrush, and black cherry. Velvety-textured, plush, and nicely balanced, this tasty effort can be approached now but will hold through 2019. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-5752

The medium purple-colored 2006 Tamari Zhik Malbec offers up a reticent nose of toast, smoke, and assorted black fruits. On the palate it displays excellent depth and length, intense flavors, and incipient complexity. If the nose emerges with time in the bottle, it will merit an outstanding rating.Importer: Terlato Wine International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900; fax (847) 604-5829