The 2008 Catena Malbec shows a dark violet color with deep bluish-black tones. The nose offers ripe, concentrated dark fruit aromas with delicate floral notes and traces of vanilla and mocha. The mouthfeel is rich and lush, with spices, tobacco and a touch of leather. The finish presents soft, supple tannins with bright, crisp acidity and a flinty minerality that gives the wine exceptional length.

The 2008 Malbec (priced just over the limit to qualify for the Value report), dark ruby red in color, it delivers an alluring bouquet of Asian spices, incense, lavender, and black cherry. Smooth textured, spicy, and easy-to understand, this pleasure-bent Malbec is an outstanding value for drinking over the next 4-6 years. 91 points; Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Aromas of violets and juicy raspberries power past this wine’s lighter scents of black pepper and cassis. Completely filled by the rich, generous fruit flavors that promise a good life in bottle. 91 Points; Wine & Spirits

Rich and polished, boasting lots of pure cassis, blackberry and boysenberry fruit that courses along, carried by alluring spice, integrated toast and a nice, lingering anise note. Drink now through 2011. 90 Points; Wine Spectator

Wines like this have defined and propelled Malbec mania. It's ripe, bold and firm. with welcoming berry aromas and a powerful but healthy palate of ripped black cherry, berry and cola flavors. In the mix and on the finish you'll find coffee and mocha. Drink now and over the next two years. 90 Points; Wine Enthusiast

Full bright ruby. Super ripe aromas of blackberry, licorice, mint, menthol and musky tobacco, plus an exotic suggestion of white fruit; almost a porty suggestion here. Sweet, lush and silky, with a layered texture to the intense plum and chocolatey oak flavors. As seamless and creamy as this is, it also boasts a high pitch and a brisk quality. Finishes with suave, dusty tannins and a whiplash of fruit. Drink this now or over the next several years. 90 Points' Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar