Rustenberg, Malbec, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2020

Malbec fans who always head straight for the Argentina section in the wine aisles should broaden their horizons and try this good-value alternative expression – Argentina doesn't have a New World monopoly on the variety these days. Indeed, the grape is flourishing now in South Africa's Stellenbosch region. It's been planted in the region since the 1920s but only bottled as a single varietal since the 1990s. This opulent expression from respected producer Rustenberg shows a lovely generosity of dark plum fruits, violet florality, an earthy grip, hints of tobacco and attractive freshness. Spends 15 months in (10% new) French oak barriques.