Introduction
The Achaval-Ferrer mission is to produce the purest possible expressions of Malbec, faithful reflections of their distinctive vineyards in Mendoza and of exceptional quality.
The key to this goal lies in harnessing the incredible potential of their ancient, ungrafted vines, planted at high altitudes. Between 70 and 110 years of age, these vines are naturally low yielding, enhancing flavour concentration and complexity in the berries. Such is the ambition of the Achaval-Ferrer team, that yields are brought down further still through rigorous pruning and thinning during the growing season, amplifying the depth and energy of the final wines.
Achaval-Ferrer are guided by an underlying ideology – the wines must deliver an honest message of the terroir. Nowhere is this philosophy more evident than with the three ‘Fincas’: Mirador, Bella Vista and Altamira – single vineyard wines from sites planted at varying altitudes. These 100% Malbec wines act as a conduit for the terroir. Every vintage, Head Winemaker Gustavo Rearte seeks to tap into the heart of what the vineyards want to express.
Achaval’s high altitude locations are crucial to their wine’s character and class. At these lofty heights, the difference between day and night temperatures is marked – the thinner atmosphere cools quicker once the sun sets. The warm daytimes and luminous sunshine encourage photosynthesis and the all-important development of sugars in the grapes. The cooler nights slow down the ripening process, increasing the production of captivating flavour compounds, and also help to preserve acidity. This results in wines with greater complexity and elegant freshness.
ELLIOT PERKOFF
November 2022
The 2018 Vintage
"A great vintage, that produced excellent wines in Mendoza.”
Gustavo Rearte
The humidity presented some challenges at times, but the team were able to implement practices learned in previous years to counter any adverse effects.
Spring was mostly dry and warm, delaying budburst. Later in the season there were a few partial frosts, but fortunately flowering was unaffected. In previous years, late frosts have wiped out entire vineyards. Summer saw heavy rain, but temperatures remained warm, allowing the grapes to continue ripening. However, the humid conditions meant that the Achaval team had to work hard in the vineyard to prevent any disease, pruning foliage to improve ventilation within the bunches. Efforts were rewarded with a ‘textbook’ harvest. The grapes achieved great complexity and freshness, beautifully expressing their individual sites.
THE WINES
The heart of Achaval-Ferrer, the three single vineyard ‘Finca’ wines, are presented below in order of increasing altitudes, from 700 to 1,050 metres above sea level. Each have their own unique profile, yet all are united by the Achaval-Ferrer philosophy – respect for the land and the myriad ways it shapes the wines.
The Finca wines are made from extremely low yields – the fruit of three vines produces just one bottle. They are all aged for 12 months in 100% new French oak barrels.
FINCA MIRADOR
Although influenced by the cooling breeze flowing through the vineyards at night, Mirador is the warmest of the three Fincas. A six-hectare parcel of 100-year-old, ungrafted Malbec, lying at 700 metres above sea level in the Medrano district. It has a soothing nose of violets and fruitcake, with toasty oak peeking through. Layer upon layer of seductive fruit on the palate – fresh blackberry, dark plum, with some blueberry brightness – enmeshed in silky, approachable tannins. A firm acid backbone balances the bold fruit.
Corney & Barrow Score 17.5 - 18
Recommended drinking from 2024–2034
FINCA BELLA VISTA
Planted in 1910, these 110-year-old ungrafted vines lie next to the winery itself, in the Lujan de Cuyo sub-region, at 980 metres above sea level. The nose is mesmerising, with a floral character enveloping red plums and cherries, some sweet spices, cedar and a flicker of pepper. The palate is focused. Pure dark fruit, chocolate and espresso, supported by a net of intricate tannins. A particularly elegant expression of Malbec.
Corney & Barrow Score 18
Recommended drinking from 2024–2034
FINCA ALTAMIRA
Neglected, semi-abandoned when discovered by the Achaval-Ferrer team in 1998, the six-hectare Altamira vineyard sits at 1,050 metres above sea level, in the Uco Valley sub-region of Mendoza. A lifted, pretty nose of orange peel, violets and red berries with wisps of sweet tobacco. There is power to the palate. Vivid red fruit with darker hues, an energetic acidity adding a refined tension. Supple tannins accompany the long and immensely satisfying finish.
Corney & Barrow Score 18.5
Recommended drinking from 2024–2035+