($175) Deep, bright ruby. Aromas of dark berry compote, graphite and crushed stone, along with superripe suggestions of exotic flowers and roasted nuts. Large-scaled, broad and impressive, with a liqueur-like quality that's accentuated by a mellow nuttiness. This may be even longer than the regular Bramare malbec but I find it a bit warmer at 15.4% alcohol, with less verve and spice character. (Paul Hobbs Imports, Sebastopol, CA)

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Massive, yet for all the weight of the fig paste, hoisin sauce and currant preserve notes, the plush, rounded structure and embedded acidity carry it all effortlessly, allowing the graphite, violet, black tea and crushed blueberry notes to extend through the finish.

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