2004 Achaval Ferrer Quimera RP--93 WS--93

Wine Spectator: 93 Points
Score: 93 Release Price: $48 Country: Argentina Region: Mendoza Issue: Sep 30, 2006 Racy, almost piercing, with graphite, violet, mineral and boysenberry notes rushing along fine tannins and acidity. The finish is long, but on the tight side for now, so this should be cellared. Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2007 through 2014. 4,125 cases made. –JM

Robert Parker: 93 Points
Wine Advocate # 174 Dec 2007 Jay Miller 93 Drink: 2014 - 2020 (48) The 2004 Quimera is a blend of 35% Malbec, 30% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc. The fruit was sourced from several different appellations. The wine was aged for 12 months in 100% new French oak, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Opaque purple-colored, it delivers a super-expressive perfume of creosote, scorched earth, clove, licorice, black currant, and blackberry. Medium-bodied, intense, and beautifully balanced, the flavors are already offering complexity and serious depth. This well made wine could easily pass for a classified growth St.-Julien. It will evolve for 6-8 years and provide pleasure through 2020. Founded only in 1998, Achaval-Ferrer is already established as one of Argentina’s benchmark wineries. They specialize in single vineyard Malbecs from prime Mendoza sites. Finca Altamira is located in La Consulta in the Uco Valley, 60 miles to the south of Mendoza at 3400 feet elevation and contains 10 acres of densely planted old-vine Malbec. Finca Bella Vista is located in the Pedriel district of Lujan de Cuyo, 15 miles to the south of the city of Mendoza at 3100 feet of elevation, with 18 acres of Malbec planted in 1910 as well as a bit of Merlot and Syrah. Finca Mirador is located in Medrano, 34 miles to the southeast of the city of Mendoza at 2400 feet above sea level, with 12 acres of densely planted Malbec vines averaging 40 years of age. The winery uses predominantly French oak and bottles without fining or filtration. The winemaker is Roberto Cipresso.