(R) Santa Julia: Malbec 2011, from Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina

Smell
Early: Vegetal forest fruits and undergrowth

Later: Black berries and black currants opening to oak

Taste
Fairly dry and light mouthfeel, however not flavoursome at all. The flavours coming through are of jammy dark plums and black berries. Aside from fruit, the bottle develops a hint of wood and tobacco.

Tale
In 1963 Argentinian engineer Alberto Zuccardi planted vineyards in the water-poor agricultural region of Mendoza as a means to showcase his new irrigation system. Five years later Alberto opened his own winery, fuelled by the success of his irrigated vines. A few decades later, Alberto's son José Alberto created a new label that was to be shown at trade shows around the world. This new label was Santa Julia, named in honour of his only daughter.

Price: $9
Quality: ☆☆
Value:  ☆☆☆

http://www.santajulia.com.ar/en/vinos/varietales-jovenes/varietales/malbec

http://danmurphys.com.au/product/dm_906225

(R) Bodega Norton: "Lo Tengo" Malbec 2011, from Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina

Smell
Early: Earthy ripe red chrries, blood plums and forest fruits, including a few maraschino cherries
Later: More vegetal and less ripe forest fruits

Taste
Begins with a fruity sweetness and that finishes a little dry and quite tart. It slowly and subtly develops more earthy, smokey and oaky notes. Eventually this Malbec shows fresh brambly fruits, especially blackberry, and a little spice, whilst retaining some earthiness. Until the very end, the ripe red fruits can be retrieved by warming the glass with your hands etc.

Tale
Marketed as delivering Argentine soul straight to your glass this wine considers Malbec to be to wine, what the tango is to dancing - synonymous with Argentina.

Price: $12
Quality: ☆☆
Value:  ☆☆☆

http://norton.com.ar/vinoDetalle.php?idAnada=154
https://www.vintagecellars.com.au/Red%20Wine/lo-tengo-malbec-750ml-2011_8743610

(R) Domaine de la Baume: "La Jeunesse" Syrah 2011, from Beziers, Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Smell
Early: Dark plums, with notes of smoked wood
Later: Dark ripe fruit is retained, with a growing emphasis of wood over smoke

Taste
A rich medley of black cherries, blood plums and blackberries with pepper, spices and smoke. The mouthfeel is only mildly tannic, which is surprising at this age. As the wine opens it reveals smoked pork sausages to accompany the growing spices in complement to the ever-present bounty of ripe & dark fruit.

Tale
This winery was established two centuries ago by the Prat family, behind the popular Vermouth brand "Noilly Prat". The 45 acres of vines are surrounded by pine and eucalyptus forests. After being bought out by the Australian Hardy boys, the winery is now owned by Grand Chais de France.

Price: $13
Quality: ☆☆☆☆
Value:   ☆☆☆☆☆

http://www.gcfplanet.com/en/Domaine_de_la_Baume-41.html
http://danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_354620

(W) Amberley Estate: Chenin Blanc 2010, from Yallingup Siding, Western Australia, Australia

Smell
Before & After: Crabapples & pineapple

Taste
The wine opens quite fruity and florally, dominated by pineapple, melons and white peaches. Subtle notes of spice slowly reveal themselves, however that's where the complexity ends. This is nice without being mind-blowing.

Tale
As part of the Accolade Wines stable, Amberley Estate is a relative newcomer, being founded in 1985 amongst still-standing native bushland. The vineyard site was chosen due to the combination of eastern facing hills of well-draining, gravelly soil with a good water source.

Price: $13
Quality: ☆☆☆
Value:   ☆☆☆

http://www.amberleyestate.com.au:81/our_winery.php
http://danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_27612