Cheval des Andes, Argentina, 2020

A joint project between Château Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes, the aim is clear: celebrate the old Malbec clones that were once found in Bordeaux (pre-phylloxera) that now thrive in Argentina. Cheval Blanc CEO, Pierre Lurton, has teamed up with Terrazas de los Andes Head Winemaker, Roberto de la Mota, to craft a world class wine that that rightfully takes its place on the global stage. The 2019 vintages is a blend of 50% Malbec and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon.

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... The way they want to describe the wine is the Argentinean expression of Cheval Blanc. And I can only agree. 98/100 points. Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate)

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. 97/100 points. James Suckling

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. 97/100 points. Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous)

Rich powerful black cherry and bilberry fruits that almost perform the role of tannins, with flesh and juice but also solidity, concentration and texture. Balanced, exudes confidence as it opens and deepens in the glass, excellent quality and a real highpoint in the progression of Cheval des Andes. First time to have equal amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, with reductive winemaking that puts the emphasis on floral framing, layered up with grilled oak, cocoa bean and liqourice. Tasted twice. 96/100 points. Jane Anson

Really very smart, harmonious blend of grapes and countries, not to say continents. Rich, ripe nose that says Mendoza with a beautifully balanced palate that`s more like a Cheval Blanc from a ripe vintage. Very long and caressing. Rather irresistible. 17.5/20 points. Jancis Robinson MW