James Suckling – 91 Points
“Fresh blueberries, peppermint, light violets and a hint of orange rind and nutmeg. Full body, succulent tannins, plenty of crisp acidity and a juicy finish. A more floral rendition of this wine. —jamessuckling.com
Description
The 2016 Achaval Ferrer Malbec is a captivating journey into the heart of Argentina’s acclaimed Mendoza region, where Achaval Ferrer has established itself as a vanguard in crafting exceptional wines. Renowned for their commitment to expressing the unique terroir of each vineyard, this Malbec epitomizes the winery’s dedication to quality and authenticity.
In the glass, the deep violet hue of the 2016 Malbec hints at the intensity within. Aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, and violets waft from the glass, creating an enticing bouquet. On the palate, the wine unfolds with layers of complexity. Juicy black fruit, such as black cherry and blueberry, harmonizes with subtle notes of cocoa, vanilla, and a touch of spice.
The 2016 vintage, characterized by optimal weather conditions, allowed the Malbec grapes to achieve ideal ripeness, resulting in a wine of great concentration and balance. The structured tannins provide a framework for the lush fruit, ensuring a velvety and persistent finish.
Achaval Ferrer’s commitment to precision winemaking is evident in every sip of this Malbec. With a focus on low-intervention techniques and showcasing the distinct personality of each vineyard, the winery has become a standard-bearer for Argentine Malbec on the global stage.
Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with Argentine barbecue, the 2016 Achaval Ferrer Malbec is an invitation to savor the essence of Mendoza in a glass. Secure your bottle now and experience the craftsmanship and passion that define Achaval Ferrer’s contribution to the world of exceptional Argentine wines. Cheers to the artistry of the vine and the terroir of Mendoza!
Achaval Ferrer, nestled in the prestigious Mendoza region of Argentina, has become synonymous with producing some of the country’s most exceptional wines. Founded in 1998 by a group of friends with a shared passion for winemaking, including Santiago Achaval, Manuel Ferrer, Marcelo Victoria, and brothers Gustavo and Diego Morales, the winery quickly established itself as a pioneer in crafting high-quality, terroir-driven wines.
Achaval Ferrer’s mission was clear from the outset: to produce wines that authentically expressed the unique characteristics of Mendoza’s diverse terroir. The winery’s focus on single-vineyard expressions and minimal intervention winemaking techniques set a new standard in Argentine winemaking.
The winery’s first vintage in 1999 garnered immediate acclaim, and Achaval Ferrer’s reputation soared. Their dedication to showcasing the individuality of each vineyard block, particularly with the emblematic Malbec grape, became a hallmark of their winemaking philosophy. By selecting old-vine, low-yield vineyards in the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, Achaval Ferrer elevated the potential of Argentine Malbec to unprecedented heights.
Over the years, the winery’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship has further solidified its standing in the global wine community. Their emphasis on organic and biodynamic farming practices reflects a holistic approach to winemaking, ensuring that the wines truly mirror the nuances of Mendoza’s diverse landscapes.
Achaval Ferrer’s portfolio extends beyond Malbec to include other varietals, each crafted with the same precision and dedication. Their wines, such as the celebrated Quimera blend and Finca Bella Vista, have garnered international acclaim, placing Achaval Ferrer at the forefront of Argentina’s wine renaissance.
As a trailblazer in Mendoza’s viticultural landscape, Achaval Ferrer remains committed to the principles of quality, authenticity, and innovation. The winery’s history is a testament to the transformative power of a collective vision, where a shared love for the land and the grape has resulted in wines that encapsulate the very spirit of Mendoza’s winemaking excellence.
Wine Advocate (WA)
Influential Wine Criticism for Global Wine Lovers
Founded in 1978 by Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate revolutionized the wine industry with its adoption of the 100-point scoring system. It quickly became the most influential source of wine ratings globally, especially for Bordeaux, Rhône, and California wines. Parker’s precise palate and fearless opinions gained him a loyal readership. Today, under the editorial leadership of Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW and a team of regional specialists like Joe Czerwinski and William Kelley, the publication continues to deliver deeply researched, blind-tasted reviews with global reach. It remains subscription-based and independent, with over 30,000 wines reviewed each year.
Wine Spectator (WS)
America’s Leading Wine Magazine and Rating Publication
Wine Spectator has been a staple of the wine world since its founding in 1976 by Bob Morrisey. Purchased shortly after by Marvin R. Shanken, the publication grew into the most widely read wine magazine in the U.S. It is known for its blind tastings, detailed vintage charts, consumer-focused reviews, and accessible scoring system. Its famous “Top 100 Wines” list each year influences buying trends across the industry. With a team of dedicated critics covering nearly every wine-producing region on Earth, Wine Spectator remains a trusted name for both collectors and casual drinkers alike, reaching millions in both print and digital formats.
James Suckling (JS)
Global Critic Known for Rapid Reviews and Bold Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast (WE)
Wine Ratings, Lifestyle, and Buying Guide
Since 1979, Wine Enthusiast has published wine reviews, buying guides, and lifestyle content for both entry-level drinkers and experienced collectors. The magazine evaluates thousands of wines annually using a 100-point scale and offers detailed, easy-to-understand tasting notes. Its team includes regional editors specializing in North America, Europe, and the Southern Hemisphere. Wine Enthusiast also provides wine accessories and hosts wine events. It’s known for its strong online presence and educational tone, making it one of the most accessible and widely read wine publications in the United States.
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Subscription-Based, Critically-Researched Wine Analysis
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Burghound (BH)
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Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine (CGCW)
Decades of California-Centric Ratings and Commentary
Founded in 1974 by Charles Olken, the Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine was one of the first American wine publications dedicated exclusively to California wines. It employs a star-based rating system rather than numerical scores, offering short, consumer-friendly reviews with strong editorial consistency. It reviews wines monthly and is particularly noted for its fair treatment of smaller wineries, as well as for educational columns that provide insight into varietals, regions, and vintage perspectives.
Wine & Spirits (W&S)
Restaurant Trends, Trade Tastings, and Thoughtful Reviews
Wine & Spirits Magazine has been publishing since 1982 and is known for its blind tasting panels, sustainable producer features, and restaurant-focused wine trends. The magazine’s annual Restaurant Poll surveys top U.S. restaurants for their bestselling wines, offering unique insight into trade buying patterns. It covers both domestic and international regions with tasting panels led by respected critics, and places a strong emphasis on balanced, food-friendly wines. The publication is widely read by industry professionals, sommeliers, and wine educators.
The Tasting Panel (TP)
Trade-Oriented Publication Blending Ratings with Wine Business Insight
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Vinous (VN)
Modern Multimedia Wine Criticism with a Global Reach
Vinous was launched in 2013 by Antonio Galloni, a former lead critic at The Wine Advocate. The platform combines written reviews, video content, interactive maps, and tasting notes across a global array of regions, from Barolo to California. Vinous has absorbed other major outlets like Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, expanding its reach and credibility. With contributors like Eric Guido, Josh Raynolds, and Neal Martin, Vinous is widely respected by collectors and industry professionals.
Stephen Tanzer (ST)
Veteran Critic Known for Precise, Classic Palate
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Jancis Robinson (JR)
Master of Wine and One of the Most Respected Critics Worldwide
Jancis Robinson MW is a globally recognized wine critic, journalist, and author based in the UK. She was the first person outside the wine trade to earn the Master of Wine title in 1984. Her Oxford Companion to Wine and World Atlas of Wine (co-authored with Hugh Johnson) are essential references in the industry. Robinson serves as wine advisor to the British royal cellar and is known for her scholarly yet accessible reviews and educational content at JancisRobinson.com.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD)
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Decanter Magazine (D)
British Wine Authority Blending Criticism and Culture
Founded in 1975, Decanter is the UK’s oldest consumer wine publication. It has built a global reputation for thoughtful commentary, extensive blind tastings, and the annual Decanter World Wine Awards, one of the largest and most respected wine competitions. With contributors including Steven Spurrier, Jane Anson, and Andrew Jefford, Decanter provides wine education, interviews, travel features, and expert reviews. Its editorial voice reflects a balance of Old World tradition and New World curiosity.
Jane Anson (JA)
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Tasting Book ~ (TB)
Global Collector-Sourced Ratings and Reviews
The Tasting Book is an international digital platform that compiles wine reviews from professional critics, sommeliers, collectors, and enthusiasts around the world. Launched in Finland, it has grown to feature tens of thousands of wines with reviews from multiple perspectives. Each entry aggregates community feedback alongside professional commentary. Tasting Book is especially valued for its crowd-sourced balance and the ability to compare opinions across tasters. It is widely used by wine professionals, collectors, and auction houses.
