Last night (March 11), the Sons of Bacchus (SOB's) assembled along with two Daughters of Dionysus to taste 14 Malbecs from France, Argentina, California and Washington. Here are the top wines from each of four flights, with my scores.

2010 Trapiche "Terroir Series" Malbec, Fausto Orriland de Escobar, Mendoza, Argentina - There was near unanimity for this wine. It came on deep purple colored with a rich, smoky nose of blueberry, cassis and violets, with mouth-filling almost decadent yet brawny flavors. 19+/20 points.

2009 Durigutti Malbec Reserva, Mendoza, Argentina - Again this was the favorite of most tasters. Deep ruby colored, it offered a highly aromatic nose of crushed roses, violets, cedar and tobacco with elegant, nutty, fruity dark fruit flavors. 19/20 points.

2009 Skylite Cellars Malbec, Yakima Valley, Verhey Vineyard - There were more differences of opinon on this flight than the others, so this was the consensus favorite. It comes from a small vineyard in the western corner of the Yakima Valley. It showed a deep ruby color and aromas of dried fruits and rose petals, with ripe sweet-dry flavors. 18.5/20 points.

2009 àMaurice Cellars "Amparo" Estate Malbec, Walla Walla Valley - This come's from the vineyard adjacent to the winery, off Mill Creek Road in the East Valley. It exhibited a dense, almost murky, color and a smoldering nose of dark fruits, black pepper, spices and violets. Thick and brawny, it was loaded with dark, earthy fruit flavors and a deliciously chewy texture and a long, full finish. This was my favorite of the entire group. It is one of the best Malbecs I've ever tasted. Kudos to Anna Schafer. 19.5/20 points.

Three other noteworthy Malbecs:

2010 Clos la Coutale Cahors - This comes from France's Lot Valley where Malbec originated. It showed an intriguing aromas of dried roses, cherries, mulberry and smoke, but it was one of those wines that promised more on the nose than it delivered on the palate, with somewhat rustic, dryish flavors. 18.5/20 points.

2011 Lagier-Meredith Malbec, Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley - This had a slightly corked nose, otherwise it would have been one of the top wines of the tasting. Opaque purplish colored, it emited a smoky nose of black currants, blueberries, pepper and violets with deep, well structured flavors. 19/20 points (would have been 19+ if it were without TCA taint).

2007 Flying Trout, "#205 Barrel Select" Malbec, Rattlesnake Hills, Konnowak Vineyard - This is from a lot held back by Ashley Trout. In a different flight, it could well been the top wine. Deep garnet coloed, it showed a strong dark fruit nose with dried rose petal and smoke, and a thick, chewy well developed texture and a savory finsih. 19/20 points.

The bonus wine of the evening was provided by our host, Elizabeth Bourcier (assistant vigneronne at Cayuse), a 2012 Cayuse "Edith" Grenache Rosé. It had an ethereal swee-dry fruit nose and imbued with "Rocks" minerality. A real treat. Thanks, Elizabeth, for hosting.