Cheval des Andes 2022 (750ml)
Price: $119.99
| Producer | Cheval des Andes |
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | Mendoza |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Sku | 205631 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Cheval des Andes Description
Cheval des Andes, the ‘Grand Cru’ of the Andes, is the fruit of a fusion between two cultures combining the vision and expertise of Château Cheval Blanc with high altitude wine-growing in the Mendoza region. Under challenging climatic conditions, this is where Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot unite in a blend which is born at the foot of the Andes mountain range.
At the heart of Cheval des Andes is transmission and the heritage, savoir-faire and values passed on from Château Cheval Blanc, which have travelled across both generations and continents from Bordeaux to Mendoza.
In 1999, Château Cheval Blanc started a joint venture with Terrazas de Los Andes and Cheval des Andes was born. Since then, a predominantly Malbec, Bordeaux-style blend has become the signature of Cheval des Andes. The inspiration for Cheval des Andes came from the dream of founder Pierre Lurton to follow the original Malbec vines from Bordeaux to Argentina.
Years ago, Malbec was widely cultivated in Bordeaux and was brought to Argentina in the mid-19th century, only decades before the grape would be decimated in France by a phylloxera epidemic. Today, the only Malbec that exists in Bordeaux has grafted roots, which make it more resistant but also alter its quality. The vines which travelled to the New World over a century ago are ungrafted.
When Pierre Lurton discovered the stunning Malbec vineyard of Las Compuertas, planted in Mendoza in 1929, he was immediately captivated, declaring, “This will be a journey to the roots of Bordeaux.” He wanted to bring yesterday’s Bordeaux wines back to life, reconnecting Château Cheval Blanc with the history of Saint-Emilion.
The wine of Cheval des Andes combines the vibrant expression of Argentinian Malbec with the rigour, elegance and savoir-faire of a great Bordeaux. It is a unique blend of Malbec grapes and Bordeaux varietals – an ensemble with the exuberance of Malbec balanced by the temperance of Cabernet Sauvignon, completed with hints of Petit Verdot.
Vinous: 99 Points
The 2022 Cheval des Andes is a significant upgrade to Mendoza's historic regional blends, combining grapes from Las Compuertas (Luján de Cuyo) and Paraje Altamira (Uco Valley). The 2022 vintage allowed for a slower ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon, which take prominence in this blend alongside 30% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. Aging was carried out in 40% 225-liter Bordeaux barrels, 35% 400-liter barrels and 25% 2,500-liter foudres, with 50% new oak. A bouquet of bright fruit-raspberry, blueberry and delicate cassis-and complementary bay leaf and mint tones give way to a touch of ash and mild bell pepper. Boasting serious concentration, fine tannins and a slight creaminess, the 2022 has a structure that is firm but never tight, maintaining weight without losing balance. The finish is long, energetic and full of flavor. This is an exceptionally beautiful wine.
Wine Advocate: 97 Points
Soon to be released through La Place de Bordeaux, the 2022 Cheval des Andes opens with an exotic, spice-driven bouquet, supplemented by lifted herbal notes and a vibrantly red-fruited and perfumed backdrop. The palate is similarly energetic, melding an elegantly rich, polished texture with a slender, tensile energy. It concludes with a long, persistent and high-toned finish that gradually unfurls a sturdy structure of supremely refined tannins. This is an excellent counterpoint to the comparatively darker and more open-knit 2021, showcasing a brighter, more tenacious profile while sacrificing none of the grace, nuance and textural attention to detail that has come to define Cheval des Andes.
It's a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot.
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