2020 Cheval des Andes
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Tasting notes
Deep garnet in colour, the 2020 Cheval des Andes offers an attractive nose full of liquorice, cassis and toasted spice, opening up in the glass. There's an abundance of crunch dark fruit alongside a vein of mineral freshness that continues on the palate, running through the heart of the wine. The 2020 is one of the strongest releases from the estate to date, full of precision and purity of fruit. Blend: 49% Malbec, 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot
The 2020 Cheval des Andes is a brilliant wine. Despite the warm conditions of the vintage the estate’s focus on freshness, elegance and ageing potential shines through in this excellent cuvée. The refinement really is reminiscent of Bordeaux sister estate Cheval Blanc in this vintage with its seamless integration of tannins and long finish. As with the previous vintage, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec are evenly split with a rare addition of 2% Petit Verdot. The wine has great attack, power and energy while remaining beautifully balanced. The rich dark fruit has great vibrancy and the tannins are remarkably refined. There is impressive breadth on the palate, wonderful symmetry with the acids, fruit and alcohol perfectly entwined. The impeccable balance should see this mature wonderfully but it can also be enjoyed in its relative youth.
Critic scores
Average Score
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Blending equal parts 49% Malbec and 49% Cabernet Sauvignon with 2% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Cheval Des Andes is a study in elegant power and beautifully integrated red fruit. This is drinking heavenly now but should continue to evolve over the next 10-15 years. The “Grand Cru” of the Andes is a project of Pierre Lurton of Château Cheval Blanc focused on making Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot from high altitude-growing areas within Mendoza.
49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot. Harvest 28 February to 17 March. 2020 was a warm and dry vintage. Ageing in 225-litre barriques (40%), 400-litre barrels (40%) and 2,500-litre foudre (20%), 50% new oak, 85% French (remainder Austrian, Slovenian and German). pH 3.83. Bottled 10 February 2022. The riper, darker fruit on the nose denotes the hotter vintage in 2020. Though ripe, there is no sense of jamminess in the wine, a real improvement noticeable in recent years here. The palate too has the cashmere texture and vibrant acidity of a team working hard to shift from a thicker, riper style to one of balance and vibrancy. Cassis and dark cherry are met with notes of blood orange and violet. Chalky and deep, this should age well in bottle. (TP)
The 2020 Cheval des Andes is a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot from Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley and Las Compuertas in Luján de Cuyo. Aged in French oak barrels, it's purple in the glass with a garnet sheen. The nose reveals a well-judged approach to the warmth of 2020, featuring ripe plum, redcurrant, mint and hints of white pepper over a bed of bay leaf and cedar. It's dry and velvety on the palate, with rich, polished tannins that deliver a juicy, balanced mouthfeel. The balsamic notes and rich palate reflect the year's character, while the finish is dynamic and long-lasting.
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