Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira Malbec 2011
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
One of the greatest wines in the world, the ultra-fine 2011 Achával-Ferrer Malbec takes full control of the palate and sends in on a magic carpet ride to a special place that true wine lovers have been longing for, this wine is that spectacular! Deep ruby, almost blackish in color, superfine and ultra-rich aromas of black fruit, aromatic flowers, and sweet earth, almost have a toastiness to it; medium bodied, rich, layered, and almost thick on the palate, sweet tannins surround and cherish the Malbec fruit; dry, medium acidity, well balanced; black fruit flavors are terrific and inviting, lots of class here, a hint of coffee bean, earth and flowers; long finish, enticing and youthful in the aftertaste. Kind of drinking now will get even better with time. (Tasted: August 3, 2015, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Spectator
Dark and racy, featuring blackberry coulis, black plum skin and cassis notes balanced with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Embedded layers of espresso, flint and floral mark the long, expressive finish. Best from 2014 through 2022.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2011 Malbec Finca Altamira is a subzone from La Consulta in the Uco Valley, which is located at 1,050 meters above sea level on the east bank of the Tunuyan River. The soils have big boulders and volcanic ashes, and there is an important component of calcium carbonate. This is the first old vineyard they found, and it produces a very dark-colored, bright, wine with a subtle nose, mixing flowers (violets) and red, blue and black fruit, with hints of spices and a velvety feeling. The palate is medium-bodied, silky, with an impressive acid spine and completely ripe and round tannins. The velvety feeling is also confirmed in the texture, which displays a long tactile sensation mixing electricity, minerality and very good acidity. A superb wine! Drink 2014-2025.
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Founded in 1998, Achaval-Ferrer is a team of friends who dream about great wines. Achaval-Ferrer is also a collection of old vineyards in beautiful places. They are committed to the production of wines that are expressive of their terroir. They are a small winery because this is the key to top quality. Low yields allow the vineyards to express their personality in the grapes. Low intervention winemaking allows the grapes to fully express their vineyard in the bottle. Each of their wines is a different expresson of Malbec: The Mendoza Malbec is about varietal tipicity. Their Quimera blend is about Malbec as the key to complexity and balance. And their Fincas (Single Vineyards) are about how Malbec expresses different soils and microclimates.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.