2014 Cheval des Andes (1.5L)

Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Described as the “Grand Cru of Argentina,” this selection of highly rated Cheval des Andes vintages boasts Argentinian Malbec in its most elegant incarnation, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and in some years a little Petit Verdot to yield fresh, juicy dark fruit and mineral-tinged tannins with a finish that goes on and on, some releases ready to enjoy now and all a last chance opportunity for Malbec lovers and collectors to secure exceptional back vintages as well as the highly allocated current release at unbeatable prices.

Formed as a collaboration between Cheval Blanc and Argentina’s Terrazas de los Andes in 1999, Cheval des Andes was created to express the most nuanced and vibrant qualities of Argentinian Malbec from the country’s top terroir crafted with the refined elegance of a First Growth Bordeaux, sourced from 123 acres of high-altitude estate vineyards planted with old vine Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Described as “a hedonistic Cheval” by the Wine Advocate’s Luis Gutierrez, the 97 pt. 2012 Cheval des Andes is an “utterly suave and seamless blend in the style of a ripe Right Bank wine” according to Stephen Tanzer of Vinous, while the 98 pt. 2013 Cheval des Andes is a “powerful wine with terrific ripe tannins” that promise a “slow and eventful evolution,” both ready to enjoy over the next few years. Crafted with 83% Malbec, James Suckling calls the 97 pt. 2014 Cheval des Andes “a rich and round-textured red with gentle tannins” boasting “a long plush finish” according to the Wine Spectator’s Kim Marcus with built-in longevity. The Wine Advocate’s Luis Gutierrez describes the 98 pt. 2018 Cheval des Andes as “the finest Cheval des Andes I’ve ever tasted” that’s an “impeccably balanced” and “brilliant wine” with over a decade of evolution ahead according to Jeb Dunnuck. Crafted with a 50-50 blend of Malbec and Cab, the powerful 98 pt. 2019 Cheval des Andes is “a real high point in the progression of Cheval des Andes” according to Inside Bordeaux’s Jane Anson, continuing Cheval’s “steady ascent towards the summit of the very best and most sought-after New World reds” according to critic Tim Atkin.

Combining legendary Bordeaux First Growth wine making expertise with the very best terroir in Argentina, these 97 plus pt. selections from Cheval des Andes attest to the impeccable level of detail from vineyard management to wine making that is built into its legacy, a must buy for Malbec fans whether putting together a mixed case or selecting a few favorites, available in a range of formats and original wooden cases for cellaring.

97WA

The 2014 Cheval des Andes is a different blend than previous years and contains a high percentage of Malbec and more Petit Verdot than Cabernet Sauvignon. This reflects the strict selection they had to do in a rainy year that was very challenging for Cabernet Sauvignon, especially in certain parts of the traditional vine-growing regions of Mendoza. The final breakdown of the blend is 83% Malbec, 9% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is from the first of a series of three wet vintages where they see lower temperatures as an advantage to get where they want to go. They are more after elegance, freshness and complexity rather than power. In this vintage, they only used 15% new oak for the élevage in order to preserve the fresh aromatic expression of Malbec, and the aging lasted 15 months. It's incredibly fresh and floral, superbly balanced and very charming. This is the year with the most Malbec ever; it was an accident, but it was the kind of Malbec they like. They generally aim to have more Cabernet in the blend, but that wasn't possible in this low-yielding vintage. The palate is very balanced and elegant, with very good freshness and some restraint, not alcoholic or sweet at all. They find a lot of similarities with 2014 in Bordeaux—classical, fresh, quite transparent and juicy but precise. This has to be the best Cheval des Andes I've tried so far. They tell me this is the first vintage that really follows the style they want to produce in Argentina, with balance, complexity and freshness, away from high alcohol, extraction, oak and excess. The style will be slightly different since there will be more Cabernet Sauvignon, and their final target might be around 50/50 Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. 31,116 bottles, 845 magnums and 50 jeroboams were filled in December 2015.

97 points, Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate (Issue # 237 - Jun 2018)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.0%

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$199.98

Compare At: $219.99

5 bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

This item is available in original wood case. Would you like to include the wood case in your order? There is an additional $12.00 shipping fee for wood cases.

Available in Original Wood Case of 1

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