-
98
/ 100
James Suckling -
98
/ 100
Vinous -
97
/ 100
Jane Anson -
97
/ 100
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Red
Classification
Cabernet Blend
Variety
2021
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
Argentina
Country
Mendoza,
Region
14.0%
Alcohol %
10-15 Years
Cellaring
Scores
98 / 100"Complex aromas of blueberries, pie crust, fresh flowers and currant bush with hints of baking spices like nutmeg. Medium- to full-bodied with extremely fine tannins that are integrated and gorgeous. Graceful and refined, with super length. Interestingly, 20% of the wine was aged in large oak casks (2,500 liters), mostly from Slovenia. Try after 2027 but a joy to taste now."
- James Suckling
98 / 100
"“This wine is at its best after almost 20 vintages, finally flying at the height that the team at Cheval Blanc has always dreamed of.” A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon from Altamira, 48% Malbec from Altamira and Las Compuertas and 3% Petit Verdot from Las Compuertas, the 2021 Cheval des Andes showcases a blend in peak form, both in terms of varieties and origins, all from Mendoza. In many ways, 2021 was a Bordeaux-like year for a region as dry and sunny as Mendoza. The wine reflects this, offering delicate cherry and blackberry fruit along with a touch of wild herbs, layered with hints of ash and orange petit fours. Dry, with fine-grained, lightly reactive tannins, the palate is juicy and enveloping. Though leaner than in previous years, it remains equally refined. Long and nuanced, this is such an elegant wine."
- Vinous
97 / 100
"A wonderful Cheval des Andes, luscious, layered, nuanced, a kick of nutmeg spice, blueberry and damson fruits, salted cracker mouthwatering finish, with deftly-handled freshness the signature of a cooler vintage. Gérald Gabillet winemaker, joint venture between Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes. 70% new oak for ageing."
- Jane Anson
97 / 100
"The 2021 Cheval des Andes is seductive and savory on the nose, leading with pure, earth-tinged aromas of pipe tobacco, turned soil, dried herbs and rich yet composed dark fruits. Exotic, dark spice notes and a pleasantly integrated framing of new oak accents appear with further aeration. The palate is deliciously supple and impressively layered, with a harmonious, long and ever-expanding finish that highlights extreme delicacy. The tannins are persistent yet composed, gently yet persistently lengthening the finish and melding nicely with the vibrant acidity underneath—a beautiful combination of savory charm, serious depth and focused intensity. It's a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Malbec and 3% Petite Verdot that spent an average of 12-13 months in 50% barrique, 30% demi-muid and 20% foudre."
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Tasting Notes
Cheval des Andes, the "grand cru" of the Andes
Cheval des 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 and Cabernet Sauvignon unite in a blend which is born at the foot of the Andes mountain range. Cheval des Andes’ vision of wine growing is completely unusual as it combines two very different "terroirs" such us Las Compuertas in Lujan de Cuyo and Paraje Altamira in Uco Valley. As the vision is accomplished, the edges are polished; freshness, balance and complexity become the cornerstones of Cheval des Andes.
Created in Mendoza in 1999, Cheval des Andes is turning 25 this year and is embarking on a bright new chapter of its young history. Born according to the canons of the best Argentinean wineries, it is now emerging as the strict interpretation of Cheval Blanc’s ethos, at the foot of the Andes and joined the prestigious LVMH family of Vins d’Exception.
The 2021 Vintage:
The 2021 season in Mendoza was cool and wet, with double the rainfall compared to the previous vintage. The low average temperatures during the ripening period allowed for a wine with great aromatic complexity and the distinctive natural freshness of Cheval des Andes.
Tasting notes:
Cheval des Andes embodies the essence of a fresh vintage in the Mendoza region. It presents a delicate and brilliant ruby red tone with garnet glints. On the nose, this wine offers fine complexity with floral notes and red fruits. On the palate, it is distinguished by its elegance, acidity, and freshness, with silky tannins and a lingering finish.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity