Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is a precise and sassy wine with blueberry and hints of hazelnut plus lots of citrus character. Full and tight with a long and persistent finish. Better in 2016 but so good now.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Aug 2015 Luis Gutierrez 95 Drink: 2015 - 2025 (120) Located in Perdriel, in Luján de Cuyo, a classical zone in the province or Mendoza, the 2013 Malbec Finca Bella Vista had the same treatment as the rest of the single-vineyards, which means aging in 100% new French oak barriques. In addition, in 2013 they started using no less than 50% 160-liter barrels for the élevage, and against all odds the oak is really imperceptible here. There are wild berries, acidic strawberries, violets and some balsamic aromas that characterize the incredibly elegant and subtle nose. The palate reveals a silky texture and superb acidity with juicy fruit, sophisticated tannins, great balance and length.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Showing power and complexity, the voluminous 2013 Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Malbec starts out with fascination in the aromas—notes of wild strawberries and blueberries, anise and licorice, as well as earth and an accent of leather. The wine's power suggests a pairing with grilled beef. Drinks pretty well now. (Tasted: September 7, 2016, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Enthusiast
Bright, jammy red-berry aromas are gritty and a bit herbal. A fleshy, jammy mouthfeel belies the snappy raspberry and blueberry flavors that follow. A lot of blue-fruit character and herbal notes grace a high-energy, bright finish. Drink through 2023.
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Wine Spectator
Big and rich, with ample and well-sculpted flavors of dark plum, currant and Asian spice, featuring plenty of chocolate mousse notes. Dense and savory on the finish. Drink now through 2019.
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.