2022 Cheval des Andes

Full bottle 1,372 g. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot from 32 ha in Las Compuertas where their new winery is and 15 ha in La Consulta. Described as 'the Argentinian expression of Ch Cheval Blanc of St-Émilion'. Pierre-Olivier Clouet claims that his and the rest of the Cheval Blanc team's ability to gain experience of two vintages a year is wonderful. This is the first vintage with this much Cabernet Sauvignon; they're trying to mirror the Cabernet Franc/Merlot ratio at the home farm. 2016 was the first year they felt justified in mentioning Cheval Blanc on the back label because they had started to pick earlier, with freshness, ageing potential and balance in mind. They used to pick the Malbec in early May. Now it can be late February.  Bright, dark garnet. Very fresh nose indeed – much fresher than a typical red bordeaux in fact! (But then the elevations are completely different.) With just a touch of Malbec gaminess. Luscious texture and those famous 'cashmere tannins' (copyright Pierre Lurton). Both luscious and lush-fruited, with just a little dryness on the end when tasted without food but overall this is pure pleasure for those of us who are fans of Cheval Blanc. (JR)

Soon to be released through La Place de Bordeaux, the 2022 Cheval des Andes opens with an exotic, spice-driven bouquet, supplemented by lifted herbal notes and a vibrantly red-fruited and perfumed backdrop. The palate is similarly energetic, melding an elegantly rich, polished texture with a slender, tensile energy. It concludes with a long, persistent and high-toned finish that gradually unfurls a sturdy structure of supremely refined tannins. This is an excellent counterpoint to the comparatively darker and more open-knit 2021, showcasing a brighter, more tenacious profile while sacrificing none of the grace, nuance and textural attention to detail that has come to define Cheval des Andes. It's a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot.