… ever since my trip to Argentina last year.
How Malbec Became the Wine of ‘Regular People’
there are plenty of reasons that Malbec might appeal to “regular people” (perhaps the same reasons it doesn’t appeal to sommeliers): It’s rarely expensive or hard to find. Its flavors are straightforward, with notes of spice and red-berry fruit. The best Malbecs also have a lively acidity and approachable tannins. I think of it as a meatier, manlier version of Merlot.
In the > $20 range:
2009 Altos Las Hormigas Valle de Uco Terroir Malbec, $12
2010 Crios Malbec, $11
2008 Bodega Norton Reserva Malbec, $14
2009 Hacienda del Plata Malbec, $11
Salud!
(h/t Yanqui Mike)