2019 Cheval des Andes (750ml)

Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

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.

98WA

97V

97JS

96WI

The 2019 Cheval des Andes had a more reductive vinification and élevage, making the wine a bit shy and in need of time to open up, as one of their objectives was to make it more age-worthy. Another objective is to get to a 50/50 blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, which they achieved in this vintage for the first time, going back to the initial character of the wine that was the idea of Argentinean winemaker Roberto de la Mota; so, they are closing the circle and going back to the initial idea, with more implication from the Cheval Blanc team. This is the first vintage fully under the charge of the new French winemaker, Gerald Gabillet, who fermented by plot, isolating some specific parts of the vineyard, like the borders where you tend to get higher yields because of the irrigation. It matured in 225- and 400-liter oak barrels and in oak vats. They used more barrels and vats from Stockinger, which they like and rotate; the wine spends an average of 13 to 14 months in oak, but some lots get 11 months and others get 16. 2019 was a mild vintage, cooler than 2017 and warmer than 2018, with rain at the right time, which helped to avoid hydric stress, and without extremes (which they had in 2020 with three weeks of extreme heat). The wine is young and tender and a bit oaky, which Gerald attributed to the reductiveness; it's ripe without excess, with around 14.2% alcohol, mellow acidity and velvety tannins. There's more Cabernet here, so the aromatic expression can be something between 2017 and 2018, but Cabernet marks the palate a lot and makes the wine more age-worthy, as it provides the structure and length that the Malbec lacks. So, the wine might be less accessible when young and should develop slowly in bottle. It's tasty and supple and has the ingredients and the balance for what they are aiming for. In the following vintages, they follow this path, and Gabillet feels that having more precision allows the wines to reflect the differences between vintages better. They keep producing around 100,000 bottles. It was bottled in late January 2021. The way they want to describe the wine is the Argentinean expression of Cheval Blanc. And I can only agree.

98 points, Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate (Issue # 262 - Aug 2022)

The 2019 Cheval des Andes is a 50/50 blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon from Las Compuertas and Paraje Altamira, Mendoza. The 2019 was 40% aged in 225-liter barrels, 40% in 500-liter barrels and 20% in foudres. It’s red with violet flecks in the glass. It has a fresh nose of plum and blackcurrant accompanied by hints of white pepper, mint and violets over a bed of cedar and sandalwood. On the palate, the feel is finely grained with a leaner, more agile flow than in previous years, while the freshness brings plenty of energy before the lengthy finish of fruit and country herb aromas.

97 points, Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous (Nov 2021)

A refined but spicy Cheval, showing charcoal, blueberries, wild herbs, lavender and hints of bacon and cedar. Medium to full body with extremely fine tannins that get dialed into the fruit with violet, spices and sweet blue fruit at the end. Long and subtle. Drink or hold.

97 points, James Suckling (Aug 2022)

The 2019 Cheval des Andes, a blend of 50% Malbec and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, is the result of a joint venture between Chateau Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de Los Andes. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it rolls out with broody notions of scorched earth, dried herbs, damp soil, and crushed rocks over a core of baked plums and warm cassis, plus a hint of licorice. The medium-bodied palate is delicately crafted with subtle savory and earthy flavors framed by chewy tannins, finishing minerally.

96+ points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Aug 2022)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.0%

#ARCHMR19AE

$89.99

60+ 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 6

Add to Wishlist