Achaval Ferrer Malbec Finca Bella Vista 2009 - Mendoza, vineyard at 3100ft altitude; 90+ yo vines; 13,5% abv; 50+
This still isn't a style of wine that I'd like to fill my cellar with, but finally I find an Argentine Malbec that I won't mind having a glass of if someone else is paying. There is some obvious oak, but if it is this little noticeable in a young wine I would imagine a few more years will make it pretty much unnoticeable. It has a delightfully savoury aroma, dark fruit but refreshing.
The palate isn't harshly extracted in the manner of the other high-end Malbecs that have been available here, instead it is high in acidity and racy. Unfortunately the oak is more apparent on the palate than on the aroma, but even on the palate it is more a textural thing than an actual taste, since it brings a creamy mouthfeel that is somewhat at odds with the other elements of the wine. Refreshing finish.
This might not make me a fan of Argentine Malbec but I do now understand why Achaval Ferrer has its fans. Or was I just having an off day and this is actually just as spoofy as the others we have had here?