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2009 Achaval-Ferrer Finca Altamira

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

March 6, 2022 - $96

Estimate

RATINGS

99The Wine Advocate

...spectacular aromatic array of black fruits and spices that jump from the glass, this rich, opulent, beautifully proportioned Malbec sets the bar for what can be achieved with old vines, low yields, and craftsmanship in the cellar.

94+ Stephen Tanzer

Deep, pure aromas of blackberry, violet, minerals and bitter chocolate complicated by a loamy nuance. Suave and intense... After three days in the recorked bottle, this was an essence of blackberry, showing almost painful fruit intensity.

92Wine Spectator

A dark, powerful red that has cut and grace to its core of vibrant boysenberry, raspberry and blackberry notes. There's a well of acidity that pushes the fruit through hints of flint, violet and spice to the long, berry-filled finish.

REGION

Argentina, Mendoza (Cuyo)

Mendoza on the western edge of Argentina is the nation’s largest and most important wine producing region. With about a billion acres under vine, the region of Mendoza alone has nearly half as many vineyards acres as all of the United States. Located on the edge of the Andes, vineyards here are high, usually 2,000 to 3,600 feet above sea level, yet they enjoy a relatively temperate climate and four distinct seasons. The soil is sandy and alluvial with clay underneath and moderate rainfall encourages growth. Historically Argentina, and Mendoza, grew pink skin grapes for slightly sweet pink or white wines. Those grapes are still grown for bulk jug wine. Since the late 1980s, however, Malbec has been Mendoza’s most important grape, since it makes a rich, dark, robust, age-worth red. The second most important red grape is Bonarda, which is thought to be the same grape that California growers know as Charbono. Italian and Spanish red grapes including Sangiovese, Barbera and Tempranillo were brought by immigrants, and they are grown today. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Torrontés and numerous other red and white grapes are also grown successfully.

TYPE

Red Wine, Malbec, Vino Fino

This grape produces a dark red wine with plenty of tannins. It is one of the six grapes allowed for blending red Bordeaux wines. Malbec is also the flagship variety of Argentina. The grape needs a lot of sun and heat to mature. It adds complexity and intensity to blends.