As one of the top estates of Bordeaux, Cheval Blanc connotes the heights of luxury in the world of fine wine. While that hasn't changed over the past decades, the landscape of wine has! Thanks to pioneers who spread the vine to new lands like Argentina, we have new wines like the Cheval des Andes, literally named the "Cheval Blanc of the Andes." Savvy connoisseurs have been quick to recognize the world-class quality you find here for the price!
This potential for exploring new styles is what drew the head of Chateau Cheval Blanc, Pierre Lurton, to the foot of the Andes Mountains of Argentina. The thread of connection to Bordeaux was clear: the Malbec that had faded into the background in French vineyards had found a thriving existence along with the immigrants who had brought it. Working with the already-established Terrazes de los Andes winery, Pierre's team found harmony in the dueling characters of Cabernet Sauvignon's sleek, energetic flow and Malbec's generous core density, along with a dash of spicy-floral Petit Verdot from Cheval Blanc's own vineyards.
VINOUS 99 POINTS - "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." - Joaquin Hidalgo
There are some more changes: in 2020, they went for a lighter bottle, weighing 100 grams less than the one they used in 2018 and 2019 but close to 300 grams less than the bottle from before. It's also a slimmer bottle, always thinking about the environment. They are very focused on agroecology, accelerating the regenerative viticulture and using cover crops; they have planted 1,900 trees in the last three years, creating small clusters of biodiversity for birds. They have transplanted some centenary olive trees and keep their sheep and lamas on the property. Very green-minded."
This potential for exploring new styles is what drew the head of Chateau Cheval Blanc, Pierre Lurton, to the foot of the Andes Mountains of Argentina. The thread of connection to Bordeaux was clear: the Malbec that had faded into the background in French vineyards had found a thriving existence along with the immigrants who had brought it. Working with the already-established Terrazes de los Andes winery, Pierre's team found harmony in the dueling characters of Cabernet Sauvignon's sleek, energetic flow and Malbec's generous core density, along with a dash of spicy-floral Petit Verdot from Cheval Blanc's own vineyards.
VINOUS 99 POINTS - "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." - Joaquin Hidalgo
There are some more changes: in 2020, they went for a lighter bottle, weighing 100 grams less than the one they used in 2018 and 2019 but close to 300 grams less than the bottle from before. It's also a slimmer bottle, always thinking about the environment. They are very focused on agroecology, accelerating the regenerative viticulture and using cover crops; they have planted 1,900 trees in the last three years, creating small clusters of biodiversity for birds. They have transplanted some centenary olive trees and keep their sheep and lamas on the property. Very green-minded."
