Cheval des Andes 2020

Founded in 1999 in one of Argentina’s best renowned regions – Luján de Cuyo in the north of Mendoza – Cheval des Andes spans an exceptional area of ungrafted old Malbec vines blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. This unique terroir, located in the foothills of the Andes cordillera, gives rise to the production of a fresh and elegant Andes grand cru that promises to age well. The “millésime effect” then gives its uniqueness to every vintage. Each grape variety is planted in a carefully-selected terroir so that it can reveal its full potential.

Today, the vision of committed viticulturists, helped by the knowledge of the teams of Château Cheval Blanc, has been achieved through twenty years of daily care in these unique vineyards which now produce a genuine “grand cru” of the Andes.

Following this, we begin the vinification process with the least possible intervention. The ageing process was carried out 40% in 225-litre Bordeaux barrels, 40% in 400-litre barrels with the remaining 20% in 2,500-litre foudres, 50% of which were new oak. In the 2018 vintage, our barrel room was made up of 85% French oak and 15% of a blend of Austrian, Slovenian and German oak.

"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." - 96 Points, Vinous

Producer: Cheval des Andes

Country: Argentina

Region: Mendoza

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot 

Appellation: Vistalba

Vintage: 2020

Size: 750ml