Blind Tasting - Malbec & blends
Flat Bush, Auckland
Tasted Friday, February 6, 2026 by evanqian with 25 views
Introduction
Four Malbecs, ranging from 100% down to just 10% in the blend. Given sufficient time for aeration, all of them performed excellently.
Destinae won the group vote, having mellowed beautifully and showing a charming, mature profile. Zuccardi impressed with its vibrant acidity and tension. Cheval des Andes displayed all the hallmarks of a truly great wine: depth, balance, and completeness.
The Terraces was well made and thoughtfully crafted, yet could be readily identified as New World due to its slightly green edge, even though 2019 was a wonderful vintage. Interestingly, Destinae stood out for its Bordeaux-like calm and deliberation, though Waiheke Island shared most climat influences with Hawkes Bay.
In the end, all four wines showed very well, each expressing Malbec in a distinct and compelling way.
2019 Cheval des Andes 95 Points
Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo, Vistalba
Malbec 50%, CS 50%
Learning from the previous bottle, I gave this one enough time to breathe. Opened in the morning and rested in-bottle for four hours, then decanted for a further 30 minutes before tasting.
Dark fruits and dark berries lead, rich and dense, with a sweet, fruit-driven core. Moderate spice and well-tamed medical herbal notes sit comfortably alongside subtle smoky and cedar nuances, adding depth and complexity. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, lingering finish marked by dark chocolate.
One of Argentina’s top red wines, seductive with weight and power, yet polished and composed. voted #1 by me, #2 by group
WA 98, JS 97, VN 97, GH 96, JA 96
Ap 5/5, Ar 13/15, Palate 18/20, Overall 5+4/10
Total 95+/100
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2020 Familia Zuccardi Aluvional Paraje Altamira 94 Points
Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Altamira
100% Malbec
breathed in bottle for three hours. pure Malbec. dark red with purple hue. ripe dark fruits, sweet core, yet with fresh acidity, young and a little lean, m+ body, powdery tannins. subtle mineral in finish. it's young and energetic, need time to develop.
rated #2 by me, and #4 by group.
WA 96, JS 96, TA 96 (best Malbec of the year), VN 94, WS 92, DS 94, DC 95, JD 97
Ap 5/5, Ar 13/15, Palate 17/20, Overall 5+4/10
Total 94+/100
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2019 Esk Valley The Terraces Heipipi 93 Points
New Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay
Malbec 43%, Me 35%, CF for rest.
dark berries, some spices and dark herbs, full body, some green hints, and chalky tannins, typical Hawkes Bay, suspeciously unripe, long finish with some smoke, mocha and cedat notes. concen balanced in general, still young, need time to mellow.
voted #4 by me, #3 by group
BC 96, CD 97, MC 5
Ap 5/5, Ar 13/15, Palate 16/20, Overall 5+4/10
Total 93+/100
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2015 Destiny Bay Destinae 94 Points
New Zealand, North Island, Auckland, Waiheke Island
CS 33%, Me 32%, CF 19%, Malbec 11% and PV 5%
dark red/purple, with ruby rim. bouquet of violets and dark berries, some toasty wood and bake spices. full body, supple tannins, well integrated and well polished, running smooth with strength, basically it's CS/Me blend style, a touch of Malbec: ripe and sweet dark fruits, dark herbs, and mocha. it's a great one, powerful yet balanced.
rated #3 by me as I thought it's least 'Malbec-like', #1 by group, it tastes very enjoyable, no problem.
Ap 5/5, Ar 13/15, Palate 18/20, Overall 4+4/10
Total 94
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