Cheval des Andes 2021
Born from the meeting between Château Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes has been developing since the late 1990s a unique interpretation of the great wines of Mendoza. The project is based on high-altitude vineyards located notably in Las Compuertas, in the Luján de Cuyo region, where poor and well-drained alluvial soils promote deep rooting. The proximity of the Andes mountain range imposes strong temperature variations between day and night, precious for preserving freshness and aromatic precision despite the solar intensity. The estate's ambition is to combine Malbec, Argentina's historic grape variety, with Bordeaux varieties according to a blending logic inspired by Cheval Blanc. The vineyard notably retains old vines that contribute to the wine's depth and complexity. Cabernet Sauvignon has taken an increasing importance in recent blends, giving more structure and verticality to the whole. The 2021 vintage stands out by a particularly precise combination of fruit ripeness, freshness, and tannic finesse.
Cheval des Andes 2021 blends 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot. This almost balanced composition between Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec gives the wine an architecture both deep and slender. Malbec brings its fleshy texture, floral nuances, and generous black fruit, while Cabernet Sauvignon structures the palate and strengthens its aging capacity. Petit Verdot discreetly contributes color, spices, and additional tension. The aging lasts about twelve to thirteen months and combines several containers to limit the wood imprint: about 50% in barrels, 30% in demi-muids, and 20% in foudres. This diversity of volumes allows working on texture while preserving the fruit's clarity and the freshness characteristic of high-altitude terroirs. The 2021 thus has significant density but without heaviness, with a structure intended to evolve harmoniously over many years.
The color shows a very deep ruby shade with violet reflections still marked by youth. The nose combines blackberry, blackcurrant, and black plum with nuances of violet, fine tobacco, and dried herbs. Aeration gradually reveals graphite, spices, cocoa, and an earthy dimension that adds depth to the bouquet. The palate is ample but remarkably controlled, with ripe and fine tannins structuring the fruit without weighing down its texture. Malbec brings velvety softness while Cabernet Sauvignon gives more uprightness and prolongs the tasting on a fresh and persistent frame. The finish combines black fruits, spices, tobacco, and mineral nuances in a precise and energetic register. Cheval des Andes 2021 will accompany a rib steak, a roasted rack of lamb, a venison fillet, duck breast, or cuisine with wild mushrooms.
Grape varieties: 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot
