In The Glass: Achaval-Ferrer Estates Quimera 2010

Achaval-Ferrer Estates’ motto is, “focused on exceptional terroir-driven wines,”  and I believe wholeheartedly that they are living up to their motto. The 2010 Quimera is proof with its layers of seamless complex flavors that wholly showcases the quality and complexity of wines that can be produced from fruit growing at a high altitude (3,100+ feet). Set on sloping banks just above the Mendoza River with alluvial and some clay soils; along with, a 16 inch layer of silt, 32 acres of Malbec in the Bella Vista Vineyard thrive on native rootstock that surround the winery in Perdriel, Mendoza – at the foot of Argentina’s Andes Mountains.

The Quimera isn’t all Malbec, however, and the Malbec in the Quimera doesn’t all come from the Bella Vista Vineyard – some comes from the Mirador Vineyard located in the Luján de Cuyo village of Medrano.  There’s also 20% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot.  It’s a full-bodied and an extremely well structured and well balanced blend coming from three different vineyards in all: Finca [Estate] Bella Vista Vineyard (3,100 feet), Finca Mirador Vineyard (2,400 feet) and Finca Diamante Vineyard in the Tupungato, Uco Valley (3,600 feet).

Aside from being full bodied and extremely well structured and balanced, the 2010 Achaval-Ferrer Quimera ($56) also displays a beautiful finesse with dark cherries, cardamom, star anise and fresh tobacco highlighted by a palate-refreshing minerality.  The mouthfeel is lush and juicy, and the finish is really long and savory – it’s truly an outstanding wine that showcases the complex terroir near Mendoza, Argentina.

*This wine was provided to me for review purposes.