Mendoza Wine ()

Very pure, with a beam of raspberry coulis, blackberry and cherry pulp notes that pump out layers of spice, flint and wildflowers. Juicy yet structured, with a mineral edge to the long, savory finish. Drink now through 2015. 13,000 cases imported.

The 2007 Quimera is a multi-regional blend of 38% Malbec, 24% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 14% Cabernet Franc aged for 12 months in 40% new French oak before bottling without fining or filtration (as were all of these wines). Purple-colored, it displays an expressive perfume of cedar, scorched earth, violets, black cherry, and black raspberry. Medium- to full-bodied, this mouth-filling blend is sweetly fruited, complex, layered, and rich. It will continue to blossom for another 2-3 years and drink well through 2022.

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.

This is our main production, deriving from grapes harvested at the end of March. The 100% hand-picked Malbec grapes are harvested in March and early April. The wine is derived from grapes grown in characteristic soils specifically chosen for their similar profile and low vigour. These include increasingly desirable areas in Valle de Uco. Grapes from different vineyards are vinified separately before the final blend. The destemmed and softly pressed grapes are vinified in stainless steel vats at 28ºc. During the 15-day fermentation-maceration process the must is pumped over and punched down for optimal extraction. Free run juice only. It is sold after three months of bottle age. Aging vessel: French and American oak insertstaves into 30.000lt stainless tanks for 3 months, only 2 years of use for insertstaves.

At different altitudes, the family's Malbec vineyards express a unique profile of aromas and flavors: the ripe plum fruit flavors and silky texture of the Angelica vineyard (2,850? elevation); the dark fruit character and pepper notes of the La Pirámide vineyard (3,100? elevation); the black cherry aromas and excellent structure of the La Consulta vineyard (3,870? elevation); the explosive floral aromatics full, concentrated mouthfeel of the Adrianna vineyard (5,000?). The blend of these components creates a wine of unique character that has balance, concentration and a strong varietal identity.