2015 Cheval des Andes

I retasted the 2015 Cheval des Andes, a blend of 69% Malbec and 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, not that different from the current 2017. In fact, the alcohol levels and acidity are also pretty similar, and the wines have some parallels. This is clearly the ripest and more tannic of the three vintages tasted together—2015, 2016 and 2017—a comparative tasting that shows the evolution of their work beyond the style of the vintage. Having said that, the wines show the character of the year more and more; they are more transparent and reflect the style of the vintage in a more precise way. 57,000 bottles and 1,900 magnums. It was bottled in December 2016.

From Las Compuertas and Paraje Altamira. 69% Malbec, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon. First vintage with only two varieties. They loved the quality of the Cabernet Sauvignon. Fine tannins with lots of body. Rich, fresh but with good ripe tannins. Slightly sudden end. Sweet and polished. (JR)

Dark ruby-red. Musky, wild aromas of black raspberry, boysenberry, espresso, licorice and sexy spices. Fat, plush and sweet but also savory, offering fully ripe, dense flavors of dark raspberry, blueberry, olive tapenade and smoky minerality. Quite broad and round, even if it can't quite match the 2016 for complexity or grip. Spreads out on the ripely tannic, classically dry finish to coat the mouth with black and purple fruits. This wine actually began a bit bound-up compared to the more generous 2016 but softened nicely with aeration. I suspect the '16 will enjoy a longer life span. (aged in 35% new and 65% once-used French oak barrels, mostly barriques )