Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira 2007
Malbec
$74 to $117 on Wine-searcher, but there are a number of vendors that sell it for under $80
Note: This review is based on a bottle that had already been open for 3 days at a wine bar, so it may not reflect the wine accurately. If anything, it should be even better than what I tasted.
Also, note that this is one of the 3 legendary icons of Achaval Ferrer. The Malbec grapes used in this wine are from the highest-altitude parcel of Malbec-producing land in Achaval Ferrer’s stock.
It has a gorgeous color. Almost pure violet. One of the darkest I’ve ever seen. Tons of reddish shades.
Earthy aroma—minerals, coffee, fresh rain,. Some olives in the smell as well. Very soft and elegant.
Nice, but a bit on the sour side. It has one of the longest finishes I’ve tried in a Malbec, with a good sour fruitiness to it. It also has some coffee overtones to it. Very nuanced. Yet it is also very smooth, with little acidity to it.
Overall Score: 9.2/10. For value, more of a 9.0/10. Achaval Ferrer produces perhaps the most well-respected Malbecs in the whole country, and this wine certainly lives up to his legacy. The flavor, to be honest, is not my cup of tea, since it is on the lighter, nuanced side, to the point that it doesn’t even taste like a Malbec at times. Moreover, for the price, you can find better Malbec in my opinion.
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Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira 2008, barrel tasting
Grapes from La Consulta in Mendoza
Not released as of the tasting.
Another two-part series! Remember The Malbec grapes used in this wine are from the highest-altitude parcel of land of Achaval Ferrer’s stock. Also note that, when I tasted this wine, it had just been put into a barrel and was still 18 months away from market.
Dark ruby color—gorgeous and balanced, with many shades.
Fresh, velvety aroma, but small still, since it has barely aged in barrel and hasn’t really picked up anything from the oak yet.
Very smooth, a bit bitter, but very nice. Velvety with a touch of spice and some black fruits. Actually quite round for something so young, with a nice spicy finish to it.
Even though this wine needs another 18 months, it’s still incredibly drinkable and even better than a lot of finished wines on the market right now. The future greatness of the wine is apparent—keep your eyes out for the Altamira 2008 to be a home run.
Not Rated.