16 participants attended the tasting downtown and I was fortunate to be asked to help the evening run smoothly. I was happy to oblige
.First Flight.
1) 2013 Achaval Ferrer Malbec Mendoza.
As is the norm, all wines unfiltered. $28 Cdn, good natural cork. Medium depth in color (expected a darker depth), nose tad closed at first. Big difference on the palate though, good acidity, herbal, spice and finish developed nicely after an hour. Wonder how this one will age?
2) 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza.
First time for me. Tart, cassis, berry, quite dry. I quite liked this despite one chap telling me it will not be all that good! $28.
3) 2011 Quimera, Mendoza.
Malbec, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Merlot, Petit Verdot blend. Big dark color, nice aromatic nose. I thought a tad young still, big tannins, new oak 40%, very cherryish. Firm red fruits, nice, $50.
Flight #2.
I was really looking forward to this unique comparison tasting.
4) 2009 Achaval Ferrer Finca Mirador.
Lighter color of the three here. Sweet fruits, good balance, berry, cherry and chewy. V good length, "elegant" from many. Thankfully, no chocolate! Nice finish, $99.99 Cdn.
5) 2009 Finca Bella Vista.
Obviously high quality and grape selection but a RP 98 score? Dark ruby w purple core. Lot of fruit on the nose...meat, oak, cherry, tobacco. Strong tannins, ripe, dark berries, some chocolate (not to my liking anywhere). $99.99, still not sure if I preferred this to the Mirador? Two great wines for the cellar.
6) 2009 Finca Altamira.
Everywhere I go, always a big hoop-la for Altamira! Most opulent nose here, burnt and chocolate. Deep purple color, one vine would only yield 1/3 of a bottle. Not my style at all, can`t you tell? $99.99 Thing is most at the tasting thought it was a great showing!