The glories of Achaval-Ferrer are the limited production single-vineyard Malbecs. Only 125 cases were made of the 2004 Finca Mirador Malbec. It was produced from minuscule yields of 0.75 tons per acre and was aged for 14 months in 100% new French oak. Dark ruby-colored it has an enthrallingly exotic nose of pain grille truffle wild blueberry and black cherry. This leads to a medium-bodied elegant Malbec with lovely complex flavors superb balance and a long pure finish. It cleverly manages to conceal enough structure for this wine to evolve for 6-8 years and drink well through 2030.

Tightly drawn for now with the minerality keeping the raspberry and currant fruit at bay. Racy notes of violet graphite and quinine are followed by a smoky black tea-infused finish. Lovely but patience is required. Best from 2007 through 2014. 247 cases made. -JM