2005 Cheval des Andes
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Tasting notes
(malbec with cabernet sauvignon and a dash of petit verdot) Full medium ruby. Dark cherry syrup, licorice, graphite, minerals and a whiff of exotic flowers on the nose. Deep, dense and rather backward, but with lovely floral lift and minerality giving energy to the dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors. Finishes with suave tannins and sneaky sweetness. A worthy successor to the excellent 2004. But I must note that three other bottles were distinctly peppery and herbal and far less impressive, so proceed with care on this item.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2005 Cheval des Andes is made up of 60% Malbec, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and 7% Petit Verdot. Purple-colored, it exhibits a complex bouquet of wood smoke, scorched earth, violets, black cherry, and blackberry liqueur. On the palate it is remarkably elegant with a velvety texture, superb depth, savory flavors, ripe tannin, and 5-7 years of aging potential. Its drinking window will begin in 2014 and last through 2030 at the least. Cheval des Andes is owned by the legendary Saint-Emilion producer, Chateau Cheval Blanc. The wine is sourced from their 50 hectare estate vineyard planted on its own roots in 1929. The first vintage was 1999 and over time the wine has evolved into having a majority of Malbec in the blend. New oak is used for the Cabernet component and one-year-old barrels for the Malbec. Altogether the wine spends 18 months in cask. Importer: Moet-Hennessey USA; www.mhusa.com
About the producer
A collaboration between Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes is an exciting project in the heart of Mendoza. Blending pre-phylloxera clones of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wines are some of Argentina’s most sought-after.
Product details
Malbec/ Auxerrois / Cot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Red
Dry