2006 Achaval-Ferrer Malbec Finca Altamira

Deep, bright ruby. Slightly inky aromas of blackberry, licorice pastille and menthol. Sweet on entry, then penetrating, sappy and quite backward in the middle palate, with terrific verve to the blackberry and mineral flavors. Showed an intriguing gamey nuance with aeration. Finishes with a strong tannic spine and terrific energy. Reportedly from a crop level of just 12 hectoliters per hectare. Lay this one down.

The 2006 Finca Altamira is deep crimson-colored with a complex aromatic array of wood smoke, spice box, mineral, espresso, black cherry, and black raspberry. Structured, opulent, and long, it will develop in the cellar for another 3-5 years and provide prime drinking from 2012 to 2021. In a brief period of time, Achaval Ferrer has become one of Argentina’s benchmark wineries. A visit to the winery in April 2008 was eye-opening. They export 85% of their production, 40% to the USA. The newest releases will not disappoint. Importer: TGIC Importers, Woodland Hills, CA; tel. (800) 924-0300; fax (818) 225-5111

The 2006 Finca Altamira has a fresh bouquet with notes of red berries, dried orange peel and dried violets that blossoms with aeration, offering up a cheeky eucalyptus note and morphing into a mature Heitz Martha’s Vineyard. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy ripe tannins. There are layers of slightly earthy red fruit interlaced with ash, white pepper, undergrowth and graphite. I would have preferred a little more length but there is impressive tautness and focus. Drink now-2024. Oct 2012, www.robertparker.com