2009 Quimera Mendoza
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Tasting notes
(a blend of 31% malbec, 27% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot, 18% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot; 40% new French oak): Ruby-red. Aromas of black raspberry, crushed cherry, caraway seed, graphite and licorice. Juicy and tightly wound, with an almost tart quality to the blackberry and cranberry fruit. Very young and structured but bound-up today. Finishes with good floral lift and plenty of acidity. This will need time in the cellar to loosen up and gain in nuance.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
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The 2009 Quimera is a blend of 40% Malbec, 22% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot with yields averaging a minuscule 1.3 tons per acre. The wine was aged in 40% new French oak. Pain grille, pencil lead, Asian spices, incense, violets, and assorted black fruits inform the nose of a complex, intense, layered, spicy, succulent wine with impeccable balance and length. Although it can be approached now, it will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring. 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
Product details
Malbec/ Auxerrois / Cot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Red
Dry