By Achaval Ferrer
2021 Quimera

Background
Achaval Ferrer has a singular passion: producing world-class, terroir-driven Argentine wines. Achaval Ferrer, as guardian of the terroir, produces Malbec from its century-old vineyards planted in 1910, 1921, 1923, and 1950. Located in Mendoza's most renowned regions, they represent the province's winemaking heritage and tradition, highlighting the richness and diversity of each area.

Wine Description
The word chimera has two meanings, and both have an intimate relationship with this wine. In Greek mythology, the "chimera" was a beast made up of the parts of three different animals. This clearly connects to the fact that it is a blend. Still, the second meaning of the word is the one that best represents the wine. A chimera is an impossible search, the search for the unattainable. This is the mentality everyone has in the vineyards and winery every year when they produce this wine. Without following any rules or tradition, the goal is to produce the best possible blend every year. Chimera is design and architecture, an intimate discovery, a search for perfection.

Source
Vineyard: Perdriel (Lujan de Cuyo) for Malbec, Medrano (Junin) for Cabernet Sauvignon, Tupungato (Uco Valley) for Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Los Arboles (Tunuyan) for Cabernet Sauvignon
Elevation: 1,100 meters above sea level
Vineyard Management: Sustainably farmed
Trellis: Vertical, 1.70-1.80 meters high
Yield: 18 hl per hectare
Brix at Harvest: 24.6 degrees

Soil
Perdriel: Well-draining, alluvial origin with a thin layer of sandy loam soil and gravel underneath
Medrano: Alluvial origin, with a surface layer of about 80cm of silty clay on a bed of sand and eroded rock
Tupungato: Very shallow, well-draining soil with gravel on the surface combined with volcanic ash and calcareous rocks
Los Arboles: Large presence of rounded-edged stones, jagged gravel, and colluvium soil with a sandy loam framework that provides ideal drainage

Production
Oenologist: Gustavo Rearte
Varietal Composition: 50% Malbec, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
Malolactic Fermentation: During barrel aging
Aging: 13 months in 50% new French oak and 50% second-use barrels
Alcohol: 14.60%
pH: 3.70
Total Acidity: 6.0 g/L

Vinification
No pre-fermentation cold maceration. Primary fermentation took place in concrete tanks at a high temperature, between 29 and 32 degrees C. Several open-top pump-overs are performed daily, with a gentle shower of juice over the cap, followed by a soft pressing. The grapes' natural acidity is not adjusted; no juice is bled off; no enzymes of any kind are added during winemaking. Each variety is fermented independently, and once fermentation is finished, the final blend is made and sent to the barrel as a blended wine.
[Information provided by Achaval Ferrer]

Wine: Achaval Ferrer, Quimera, Not Applicable, Mendoza, Argentina, 2021
Score/Rating: 94 - Silver
Tasting Notes: Cedary nose with beautiful aromas of blackcurrant and cherry fruit, tobacco undertones. Solid structure, energetic on the palate. Classy wine.

Wine: Achaval Ferrer Mendoza Quimera 2021
Score/Rating: 93
Review Date: 03/04/2023
Reviewed By: Zekun Shuai
Tasting Notes: A fresh and ripe nose with a dusty cocoa powder accent to the ripe, inky fruit. Spices and a hint of violets and black peppercorns. A medium- to full-bodied blend of Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot with flattering ripe fruit and some fine-grained tannins. Hedonistic in style. Drink or hold.

Wine: Achaval-Ferrer, Quimera, Mendoza, Argentina 2021
Score/Rating: 92
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2029
Review Date: 05/27/2026
Reviewed By: Ines Salpico
Tasting Notes: A lining of fragrant sweet spice, vanilla, nutmeg, cardamom and honeyed almonds to this blend of [...] Malbec, [...] Cabernet Sauvignon, [...] Cabernet Franc, [...] Merlot and [...] Petit Verdot. It spent 13 months in French oak (50% new, 50% second use), which accounts for the fine yet assertive edges of the tannins. Liquorice and sweet spice, an intense toastiness at the core with molasses and burnt caramel - sweet yet crunchy with abundant raspberry, cranberry and cherry tomato.

Wine: Achaval-Ferrer 2021 Quimera (Mendoza)
Score/Rating: 91
Review Date: 10/01/2024
Reviewed By: Jesica Vargas
Tasting Notes: The nose of this bright and savory Malbec-based blend shows delicate notes of ripe plums. Peppery spices join black fruit on the silky palate. A dash of toasted oak adds an extra layer of flavor.

Wine: Achaval Ferrer 2021 Quimera
Score/Rating: 90
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2033
Review Date: 11/2024
Reviewed By: Joaquin Hidalgo
Tasting Notes: The 2021 Quimera is a blend of 50% Malbec, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot. Aged 50% in used oak barrels, it presents a ripe profile with notes of chutney, plum marmalade, subtle oak spice and a hint of camphor. It seems slightly muted overall, but it's nicely textured and developed.

Wine: Achaval-Ferrer, Quimera 2021 Mendoza
Score/Rating: 17/20
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2034
Review Date: 07/06/2025
Reviewed By: Tamlyn Currin
Tasting Notes: [...] Sumptuous but modulated - there is nothing excessive here. The dark, rich fruit is purring through the leather-clad tannins. Traces of wild herbs, the tang of rust, the mouth-watering minerality of wet stones. There is power here, but it's held in check, and the result is impressive.