Achaval-Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Malbec 2013

Robert Parker, Jr.s Wine Advocate: "Located in Perdriel, in Lujn de Cuyo, a classical zone in the province or Mendoza, the 2013 Malbec Finca Bella Vista had the same treatment as the rest of the single-vineyards, which means aging in 100 percent new French oak barriques. In addition, in 2013 they started using no less than 50 percent 160-liter barrels for the levage, and against all odds the oak is really imperceptible here. There are wild berries, acidic strawberries, violets and some balsamic aromas that characterize the incredibly elegant and subtle nose. The palate reveals a silky texture and superb acidity with juicy fruit, sophisticated tannins, great balance and length. Drink 2015-2025. Achval-Ferrer has produced its best collection of wines in 2013, with a superb showing of the ugly duckling, Finca Mirador, that usually suffers in comparison with Bella Vista and Altamira early on. But Santiago Achval tells me its a winner in the long run. In this 2013, the Mirador even challenges Altamira! Splitting hairs anyway." Aug 2015 Antonio Gallonis Vinous: "Bright, saturated ruby. Crushed black cherry, boysenberry, bitter chocolate, smoked pork and leather aromas lifted by a violet note. Densely packed and fine-grained, with strong harmonious acidity giving shape to the dark berry and floral flavors. Offers compelling inner-mouth energy and saline minerality; wonderfully refined, fruity, youthful wine with suave tannins and excellent length. Lay this one down as its totally primary today. Very juicy, bright and long on the aftertaste. Drink 2019-2027" Mar 2016 Winery: "Crafted with fruit from a 100-year old finca. Bright, medium ruby in color with vibrant, strong aromas of blackberry, violet, dark raspberry and crushed stone. Very concentrated with notable graphite and cured tobacco notes. Well-built with fine tannins leading to a perfumed, silky finish. Low yields, careful vineyard management and low intervention winemaking are the hallmark of this and all other Acha_val-Ferrer wines." Bottle750ml, corkVarietal100 percent Malbec Alcohol14.5 percentAcidity6.4g/LBrix at Harvest25pH3.6Aging15 months in in new French oak barrels (Boutes and Mercury) RegionMendoza, ArgentinaProductionLimited at 1,880 dozen