Whether you've been a long-time fan of the high-altitude Malbecs from this exceptional Argentine producer or are eager to try the wines for the first time, now's your chance! Join us at K&L Redwood City tomorrow, Friday January 13th at 5pm for a special tasting of current releases, including the 98-point "Finca Bella Vista" Malbec, which is currently only available at K&L as a pre-sale.
From the December 2011 issue of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:"Achaval-Ferrer, under the direction of CEO Santiago Achaval and winemaker Roberto Cipresso, stands at the summit of Argentina wine producers. The benchmark Finca bottlings are limited (under 1000 cases produced of each) so the best way to discover the pleasures of Achaval-Ferrer are through the entry-level Malbec of which there are 12,000 cases."
The "Finca Bella Vista" will be ready for pickup or shipment in the next 2-3 weeks.
What: Achaval Ferrer Tasting
When: Friday January 13th, 5pm-6:30pm
Where: K&L Redwood City - Map
Cost to Taste: $10
Featured wines:
2010 Achával Ferrer Malbec Mendoza ($18.99)
91 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2010 Malbec was sourced from three vineyards, two of which are 66 and 86 years of age, with the wine aged for 9 months in French oak. It is a super-fragrant offering featuring racy red fruits, spice box, incense, and floral notes. Pure, sweetly-fruited, and elegant in the glass, this intense, lengthy Malbec can be approached now and over the next 6-8 years." (Dec 11) According to the Wine Spectator: "This lovely red displays aromas of violet and crushed raspberry, following through to a medium-bodied palate, which lingers with a pleasant aftertaste of licorice and mint. Drink now. 9,000 cases imported." (10/11)
Achaval Ferrer is one of Argentina's top Malbec producers. Produced from Malbec sourced from vineyards located in Mayor Drummond, La Consulta and Medrano sub-zones of the huge Mendoza region, this blend of distinctive terroirs is just one element of detail that distinguishes Achaval Ferrer's Malbec from others. -Joe Manekin, K&L South American Wine Buyer
2009 Achával Ferrer "Quimera" Malbec/Cab/Merlot Mendoza ($34.99)
93 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2009 Quimera is a blend of 40% Malbec, 22% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot with yields averaging a minuscule 1.3 tons per acre. The wine was aged in 40% new French oak. Pain grille, pencil lead, Asian spices, incense, violets, and assorted black fruits inform the nose of a complex, intense, layered, spicy, succulent wine with impeccable balance and length. Although it can be approached now, it will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring." (12/11)
This blend seems softer, less brash, more elegant this vintage than it has been in the past couple. Tangy mixed berry fruits show loads of freshness and the usually elegant Achaval Ferrer texture in the mouth. -Joe Manekin, K&L South American Wine Buyer
2009 Achaval Ferrer "Finca Mirador" Malbec Mendoza ($89.99)
96 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2009 Finca Mirador was sourced from vines planted in 1921 and yields of 0.9 tons per acre. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it sports a captivating nose of sandalwood, exotic spices, espresso, lavender, black cherry, and black raspberry. Layered on the palate with a velvety texture, it conceals enough structure to evolve for at least 3-4 years. This nicely proportioned effort will deliver prime drinking from 2015 to 2029." (12/11) 90 points Wine Spectator: "Aromas and flavors of fresh crushed raspberry, blackberry, violet and graphite expand on the palate, which remains fresh and focused as medium tannins add support to the finish. Malbec. Drink now through 2016. 300 cases imported." (10/11)
Intense purple fruited aromas, show a hint of the exotic, with some dusty cumin notes adding interest. Intense, tight fruit on the palate shows the usual hallmarks of this vineyard site: purple fruit, loads of acidity and minerality. As ever, this particular Malbec shows an elegance and structure reminiscent of Burgundy - particularly the Cotes de Nuits. A must have Malbec for fans of the variety and admirers of wine from Argentina. -Joe Manekin, K&L Latin Wine Buyer
2009 Achával Ferrer "Finca Bella Vista" Malbec Mendoza ($89.99)
98 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2009 Finca Bella Vista was sourced from a vineyard planted in 1910 giving a miserly yield of 0.75 tons per acre. It displays slightly blacker fruit, a bit more depth and opulence, and a finish that seems endless. Give it 5-6 years of cellaring and enjoy it from 2016 to 2029+." (12/11)
Aromas of spicy, pure red fruits, with a dried fruit leather quality, lead to a similarly spicy palate. This is a special vineyard site, featuring very old vines and yields that are less than a ton per acre. Of all Achaval Ferrer's wines, this one will often age the best, capable of improving in bottle for a decade or more. - Joe Manekin, K&L Latin Wine Buyer
This tasting is walk-in only. Final lineup and pricing subject to change.
To view all upcoming K&L events and tastings, go to KLWines.com/Local Events
Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 6:00PM | 
By: Joe Manekin
