Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
There's an enticing floral quality to the cherry, plum and wild berry flavors, with juniper notes midpalate. Features plenty of fresh acidity, with a complex, minerally finish that delivers hints of hoisin sauce. Drink now through 2020.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Very on-point, and ready for a simply grilled rib-eye of beef, the 2013 Achával-Ferrer Malbec satisfies the palate with pure varietal fruit. Not super fancy, just really good. Medium to deep ruby color; bright red fruit aroma, with a trace of earth and dust, excellent depth; medium bodied, textured and smooth on the palate; dry, medium acidity, well balanced; very fruity flavors, pleasingly ripe and up-front; medium finish, smooth aftertaste. (Tasted: August 3, 2015, San Francisco, CA)
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.