Cheval des Andes Mendoza Red
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The Cheval des Andes is a prestigious Bordeaux-style red blend from Argentina’s Mendoza region.
- It is a joint venture between Château Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de Los Andes.
- This wine is known for its elegance and power.
- It is a 50/50 blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, with hints of other Bordeaux varietals like Petit Verdot.
Varietals: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Malbec
Elaboration: Grapes were transported in 20 kg boxes in refrigerated trucks to the winery, where they were carefully classified using the ‘one parcel, one tank’ principle with tanks holding 30-80 hl. The vinification process followed minimal intervention. Ageing was done with 40% in 225-litre Bordeaux barrels, 40% in 400-litre barrels, and 20% in 2,500-litre foudres, half of which were new oak. Aged 85% French oak and 15% from a blend of Austrian, Slovenian, and German oak.
Tasting Notes: Cheval des Andes is a delicate ruby red color with garnet glints. The nose is filled with intense notes of fresh red fruits such as cherries, currants and plums with touches of herbs and flowers that remind us of violets and lavender. Little by little, subtle spicy notes with hints of vanilla, cedar and liquorice develop from the elegant integration with the oak. Refreshingly smooth on the palate, with great personality, elegant tannins and a sharp and balanced acidity.
PRESS
2019 – 98 Wine Advocate | 97 Vinous | 97 James Suckling | 95 Wine Enthusiast | 93 Wine Spectator
2020 – 98 Wine Advocate | 97 James Suckling | 96 Vinous | 96 Falstaff | 91 Wine Spectator
2021 – 98 Jeb Dunnuck | 98 James Suckling | 97 Wine Advocate | 97 Vinous | 96 Falstaff | 94 Wine Spectator
2022 – 99 Vinous | 98 James Suckling | 98 Falstaff | 97 Wine Advocate | 94 Wine Spectator
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Cheval des Andes is a premier winery established in 1999 through a partnership between France’s renowned Château Cheval Blanc and Argentina’s Terrazas de los Andes. This exceptional venture focuses on crafting a refined Malbec blend with Bordeaux sophistication sourced from Mendoza’s high-altitude terroirs.
The winery produces a singular, refined Bordeaux-style wine, primarily from Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, highlighting the unique attributes of its vineyards, Las Compuertas and La Consulta. With its dedication to to sustainability and responsible vineyard practices and a commitment to exceptional quality, each bottle captures the essence of its rich heritage and stunning environment.