Wine Advisor
Achaval Ferrer, Finca Altamira Malbec 2009
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Jay S Miller
Even better is the brooding 2009 Finca Altamira sourced from vines over 80 years of age with yields of 0.75 tons per acre. Purple/black in color with a spectacular aromatic array of black fruits and spices that jump from the glass, this rich, opulent, beautifully proportioned Malbec sets the bar for what can be achieved with old vines, low yields, and craftsmanship in the cellar. Achaval-Ferrer, under the direction of CEO Santiago Achaval and winemaker Roberto Cipresso, stands at the summit of Argentina wine producers. The benchmark Finca bottlings are limited (under 1000 cases produced of each) so the best way to discover the pleasures of Achaval-Ferrer are through the entry-level Malbec of which there are 12,000 cases. Achaval-Ferrer is about to launch a new cuvee called Tempous, a blend of the three single vineyards. There are only 75 cases (3 barrels) produced of each vintage, so fans of the winery, be prepared to go to war to get your hands on a few bottles. The wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts, aged for 18 months in new French oak, and bottled without fining or filtration. Importer: TGIC Imports, Woodland Hills, CA; tel. (818) 225-5100
About the Producer
Achaval Ferrer is an Argentinian wine producer based in the Uco Valley, of the famous high-altitude wine region of Mendoza. The estate is known for its high-quality wines made predominantly from Malbec, usually with the addition of other classic Bordeaux varieties. Achaval Ferrer uses a low intervention approach in both their vineyards and winery. The vines are low performing with deep roots, resulting in extremely low yields. In the winery there is almost no temperature control during the fermentation – nor is there any clarification fining or filtering of the wines before they are bottled. There are three ranges in the Achaval Ferrer portfolio; the Mendoza, the Fincas and the Quimera. The Mendoza is a range of varietal wines from the Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. The Fincas are single-vineyard expressions from the three vineyards that the company owns. The Quimera is the pinnacle from Achaval Ferrer and is a Malbec-dominant, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot blend, with the proportions changing dependent on vintage. Recently the company has added a sweet fortified wine to their collection as well as an olive oil. Following the establishment in 1998, the company purchased a rare, north-facing vineyard with the majority of the vineyards in Mendoza on slopes facing either east or south. This vineyard became the source for the first wine in Argentina to be awarded five stars from Decanter Magazine and was a fundamental turning point in the estate's history. Today, Finca Bella Vista and Finca Mirador and Finca Altamira form a trio of single vineyards owned by the company with similar north-facing aspects. These are utilized to produce the Fincas range.
