A minor blending grape in Bordeaux, malbec has become something of a star in Argentina. While 100 percent malbecs have their appeal, the grape seems to show particularly nicely as a _major _blending grape—ACHAVAL FERRER QUIMERA 2003, a mix of old-vine malbec (40 percent), merlot, and cabernet sauvignon with a touch of cabernet franc. The result is a dark purple wine of unexpected complexity, soft and well-structured, earthy but not overripe, and luscious with opulently rounded fruit.