Cheval des Andes 2014 is the wine from the same winemaking team that produces the infamous Château Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux. We couldn’t resist including this wine in our Southern Hemisphere Tasting event.
Cheval des Andes Story
Cheval des Andes winery founder Pierre Lurton’s dreamed of following the original Malbec vines from Bordeaux to Argentina.
Years ago, Malbec was widely cultivated in Bordeaux and was brought to Argentina in the mid-19th century. A few decades later, a tiny phylloxera parasite decimated the vineyards of France and other European countries. Today, Malbec that grows in Bordeaux is phylloxera-resistant. Yet, its quality is altered because every single plant has grafted roots. That makes Argentinian Malbec vines unique. They remain ungrafted after their journey to the New World over a century ago, meaning they grow on their own rootstock.
Upon discovering the stunning Malbec vineyard of Las Compuertas, planted in Mendoza in 1929, Pierre declared, “This will be a journey to the roots of Bordeaux.” He saw the opportunity to bring yesterday’s Bordeaux wines back to life by reconnecting Château Cheval Blanc with the history of Saint-Emilion.
In 1999, Château Cheval Blanc started a joint venture with Terrazas de Los Andes and Cheval des Andes was born. Since then, a predominantly Malbec, Bordeaux-style blend has become the signature of Cheval des Andes.
Cheval des Andes 2014
In the Bottle
Cheval des Andes 2014 is a blend of Malbec (83%), Petit Verdot (9%), Cabernet Sauvignon (8%). The 2014 vintage was the first of three humid years when unseasonably low temperatures and increased precipitation resulted in sumptuous elegance and balance. It also was the coldest harvest since 2001. The heavy rain provided the wine with the vibrant expression typical of this harvest during April. This unusual season resulted in a unique blend of Cheval’s history, characterized by a very high percentage of Malbec and, for the first time, more Petit Verdot than Cabernet Sauvignon.
We must agree with that assessment because we knew it would be something special from the first sniff.
In the Glass
The aromas of stewed plum, cherry, and black currant were contrasted by some cured meats, cigar box, and a hint of barnyard.
On the palate, it’s sumptuous, juicy, and chewy with flavors of cherry jam, black chocolate, and vanilla bean.
It still comes through as vibrant and balanced with well-incorporated tannin and refreshing acidity with all that richness.
Finish
The flavors of plum, black tea, and cocoa nibs linger for a while, making you thirsty for another sip of this unforgettable wine.
While Cheval des Andes is relatively expensive at $70-80, we think it’s a bargain considering its quality and that Cheval Blanc of Bordeaux costs ten times as much.
The only downside to this wine is, “how can we drink any lesser Argentinian Malbec from now on?!”
What are your thoughts if you had a chance to taste Cheval des Andes? Please share your thoughts below and let us know about your favorite Argentinian wines.