Source: jamessuckling.com. Issue Date: Friday, December 4, 2020 (JS-98)

This is a plush, rich Cheval with blueberry and floral aromas and flavors. HInts of tar and fresh lavender. Full body. The depth and richness are impressive, as are the ripe yet fresh tannins. Very long and structured, yet controlled and in balance. This will be a great wine indeed. Release in September 2021. Drink after 2023.

Source: Winemaker,

Cheval des Andes was born from the prestigious union of Chateau Cheval Blanc, Premier Grand Cru Classe A of Saint-Emilion, and Terrazas de los Andes, a pioneer of cool climate, high altitude winemaking in Argentina. Its Grand Cru sites, perched at an elevation of 1.1km above sea level, produce fruit of refreshing acidity, capturing the nuances of the Andes mountains. The wine combines the vibrant and intense expression of Argentinian Malbec with the rigour, elegance and savoir-faire of a great Bordeaux. A unique blend of Malbec grapes and Bordeaux varietals, it is an ensemble with the exuberance of Malbec balanced by the temperance of Cabernet Sauvignon, completed with hints of Petit Verdot. The 2018 vintage was a classic for Mendoza, characterised by sunny, hot days with low humidity, perfect for producing grapes of excellent quality and health in all varietals. Following the phenomenal response to last year’s release of its 100-pointer 2017 vintage, Cheval des Andes 2018 continues the estate’s spectacular upward trajectory, winning excellent ratings and reviews year after year, while keeping a modest price tag compared to its South American counterparts.

Cheval des Andes, the ?Grand Cru? of the Andes, is the fruit of a fusion between two cultures combining the vision and expertise of Ch?teau Cheval Blanc with high altitude wine-growing in the Mendoza region. Under challenging climatic conditions, this is where Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon unite in a blend which is born at the foot of the Andes mountain range

Tasting Notes:
Intense and shiny ruby red colour.
The first nose is filled with fresh red and black fruits, such as cherry and plum. Then, subtle and elegant notes of liquorice and vanilla develop from delicate integration with the oak.
On the palate, a soft and supple attack quickly develops into ample structure and personality. A long and flattering finish invites you to continue discovering this wine.