2009 Achával Ferrer "Quimera" Malbec/Cab/Merlot Mendoza

SKU #1078241 93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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. (12/ 2011)

90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

(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. (4/ 2012)

Wine Spectator

A dark, racy red, with layer after layer of ripe blackberry, boysenberry and plum skin notes backed by vibrant acidity. Oaky tannins firm up on the finish, which lingers with a hint of pastis. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now. (10/ 2011)

K&L Notes

This is a blend of 40% Malbec, 22% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. It seems as though the wine is softer, less brash, more elegant this vintage than it has been in the past couple. Tangy mixed berry fruits show loads of freshness and the usually elegant Achaval Ferrer texture in the mouth.