Since its inception in 1999 and first vintage in 2001, the team have played around with Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot to find the perfect balance. With the 2019 vintage, this has culminated in the first ever 50/50 blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes hail from two vineyards at 1 100m, Las Compuertas (a ‘jewel’ in Luján de Cuyo) and Paraje Altamira – ‘two of the most prestigious winegrowing regions of Mendoza’, says Decanter. It’s the perfect philosophical blend from the minds of Château Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes, promising a long life ahead.
Cheval des Andes 2019: ‘Rather Irresistible’ – Jancis Robinson
Cheval des Andes 2019
‘Rather Irresistible’ – Jancis Robinson
‘The way they want to describe the wine is the Argentinean expression of Cheval Blanc. And I can only agree.’ – Luis Guttierrez, Wine Advocate
The new vintage of one of Argentina’s finest wines is here, and it’s super-smart. Cheval des Andes 2019 is a 50/50 blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon this vintage. It’s beautifully balanced, rich, refined and elegant with spicy cedar and violet notes and great structure afforded by the higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. Such texture and energy! ‘The feel is finely grained with a leaner, more agile flow than in previous years,’ says Joaquin Hildago of Vinous.
Started in 1999, Cheval des Andes is a collaboration between the famed Bordeaux Château Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes, a pioneer of cool climate, high-altitude winemaking in Argentina. It’s essentially the Grand Cru of the Andes. After discovering the Las Compuertas vineyard – a site in Menodoza planted with ungrafted Malbec in 1929 – Pierre Lurton envisioned ‘a journey to the roots of Bordeaux’ (quite literally). The aim has always been to bring yesteryear’s Bordeaux wines back to life – when Malbec played a bigger role and was ungrafted (pre-phylloxera). The 2019 is a resounding success at this high-altitude address and an excellent buy. Magnums are also available for the first time!
