Terrazas de Los Andes Cheval des Andes Mendoza Malbec Blend 2022

New release of one of Argentina's top Cabernet-based reds. Don't miss.  99 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2022 Cheval des Andes is a significant upgrade to Mendoza’s historic regional blends, combining grapes from Las Compuertas (Luján de Cuyo) and Paraje Altamira (Uco Valley). The 2022 vintage allowed for a slower ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon, which take prominence in this blend alongside 30% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. Aging was carried out in 40% 225-liter Bordeaux barrels, 35% 400-liter barrels and 25% 2,500-liter foudres, with 50% new oak. A bouquet of bright fruit—raspberry, blueberry and delicate cassis—and complementary bay leaf and mint tones give way to a touch of ash and mild bell pepper. Boasting serious concentration, fine tannins and a slight creaminess, the 2022 has a structure that is firm but never tight, maintaining weight without losing balance. The finish is long, energetic and full of flavor. This is an exceptionally beautiful wine." 98 Points James Suckling: "Aromas of dark currants, spices, cloves and a touch of elderberries. The palate is elegant and medium- to full-bodied with polished, precise tannins, firm fruit, a juicy backbone and a solid and flavorful finish. 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% malbec from Lujan and Altamira. Drink from 2027." 98 Points Tim Atkin: "The 2022 Cheval des Andes is one of the best recent releases from this flagship LVMH property. Based on Cabernet Sauvignon, with support from 30% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot, it’s very much a wine to cellar, with more depth and concentration than the lighter 2021 Blending components from Las Compuertas and Paraje Altamira, it has scented coffee bean and graphite top notes, filigree tannins, cassis and damson fruit and lots of energy and verve." Established in 1999, Cheval des Andes is a collaboration between Argentina’s Terrazas de Los Andes and the iconic Château Cheval Blanc of Bordeaux. Before the phylloxera outbreak devastated European vineyards in the late 1800s, Malbec was widely planted in Bordeaux. After the crisis, only limited quantities of Malbec were replanted, mostly onto American rootstock. Fortunately, prior to the epidemic, ungrafted Malbec had already been planted in Mendoza’s high-altitude vineyards—preserving a living connection to Bordeaux’s viticultural history that remains today. Cheval des Andes is a Bordeaux-style blend, comprised of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, and in some vintages, a small amount of Petit Verdot. The estate marries Bordeaux tradition with Mendoza’s expressive terroir.

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