2018 Terrazas de Los Andes 'Cheval des Andes' Mendoza
PRE-SALE: THIS WINE WILL SHIP IN JANUARY 2022
As a fan of big reds you've probably already heard the news - Argentina's got the goods! The noble Malbec grape once claimed 60% of the acreage of Bordeaux, and while it's being edged out by other Bordeaux varietals in its native France, it's a majority player in Argentina's Mendoza region, and it's tasting better than ever. Cheval des Andes is a joint venture between Bordeaux's legendary Château Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de Los Andes from Argentina, and brings both countries together in a venture we're happy to support. Sourced from their high-altitude 50 hectare estate vineyard that was planted in 1929, the first vintage came in 1999 and over time the blend has embraced more and more Malbec. New oak is used for the Cabernet component and one-year-old barrels for the Malbec. Altogether the wine spends 18 months in cask. With winemaking great Pierre Lurton of Cheval Blanc involved, you know this juice has been handled with kid gloves. This is your chance to taste the capabilities of Cheval Blanc at a fraction of the price.
James Suckling
This is a plush, rich Cheval with blueberry and floral aromas and flavors. HInts of tar and fresh lavender. Full body. The depth and richness are impressive, as are the ripe yet fresh tannins. Very long and structured, yet controlled and in balance. This will be a great wine indeed.