Probably the most lush of Alta Vista's three single-vineyard Malbecs from 2009 Alizarine offers coconut cola and wild berry aromas with a full-bodied chunky palate that's packed with coconut carob cassis and sweet blackberry flavors. Smooth oaky and stylish on the finish this is rewarding now-2015. - M.S.

Dark yet direct offering aromas of mesquite and baking spice that follow through to a creamy palate of boysenberry blackberry and raspberry flavors which remain fresh through to the mocha-tinged finish. Drink now through 2014. -JM

The 2009 Alizarine Single Vineyard comes from a parcel just in front of the Cheval des Andes vineyard and planted in 1927. It received the same elevage as the other single vineyard wines. A glass-coating opaque purple color it sports aromas of Asian spices lavender and assorted black fruits. In the glass it is a slightly narrow offering coming down more on the side of power than elegance. It mandates 3-4 years of additional cellaring at which point it may display the complexity of the other single vineyard bottlings. 91+ - Jay Miller