Important Notice

By continuing, you agree to our privacy policy, consent to cookies, and confirm you are 21 or older.

I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

YOU MUST BE 21 OR OLDER TO CONTINUE

NYC, Long Island and The Hamptons Receive Free Delivery on Orders $300+
Refer Your Friends & Earn Referral Bonuses!

2021 Cheval des Andes

98 JD

Availability:

Critic Reviews

The finest vintage of this wine I’ve tasted, the 2021 Cheval Des Andes is based on 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Malbec, and the balance Petit Verdot. It has a decidedly Bordeaux-like nose of ripe currants, leafy tobacco, cedarwood, and a kiss of flowers, with perfectly integrated background oak. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a layered, seamless mouthfeel, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It has this remarkable sense of purity and class, and while it’s incredible today (especially with a decant), I wouldn’t be surprised to see it evolve gracefully for two decades.

Jeb Dunnuck | 98 JD
Complex aromas of blueberries, pie crust, fresh flowers and currant bush with hints of baking spices like nutmeg. Medium- to full-bodied with extremely fine tannins that are integrated and gorgeous. Graceful and refined, with super length. Interestingly, 20% of the wine was aged in large oak casks (2,500 liters), mostly from Slovenia. Try after 2027 but a joy to taste now.

James Suckling | 98 JS
The 2021 Cheval des Andes is seductive and savory on the nose, leading with pure, earth-tinged aromas of pipe tobacco, turned soil, dried herbs and rich yet composed dark fruits. Exotic, dark spice notes and a pleasantly integrated framing of new oak accents appear with further aeration. The palate is deliciously supple and impressively layered, with a harmonious, long and ever-expanding finish that highlights extreme delicacy. The tannins are persistent yet composed, gently yet persistently lengthening the finish and melding nicely with the vibrant acidity underneath—a beautiful combination of savory charm, serious depth and focused intensity. It’s a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Malbec and 3% Petite Verdot that spent an average of 12-13 months in 50% barrique, 30% demi-muid and 20% foudre.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97 RP
Light and elegant, the 2021 Cheval des Andes is 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot. It achieves a feat that only cool years can provide: smooth texture, agile palate and just the right amount of freshness for a nuanced build. As it breathes, it begins to reveal notes of fresh cherry and plum, with a hint of menthol, maraschino cherries and a touch of pepper. It opens further with aromas of sandalwood and oak that complete the framework. This is a somewhat leaner, more ethereal Cheval than other years, but it has a higher level of precision. It’s a wine inspired by Bordeaux, executed in a Bordeaux style, with Mendoza terroir. A wine without edges, it’s a polished red in the early stages of a long, balanced life.

Vinous Media | 97 VM
Coming from a cooler, wetter vintage, the 2021 Cheval des Andes is a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot. The nose is incredibly closed and slightly reduced to begin. After giving it considerable time and air, floral notes of violets and iris bulb begin to emerge, leading to a core of ripe, juicy blueberries, warm cassis, and red currant preserves, plus suggestions of tar and anise. The medium to full-bodied palate is very bright and pure, delivering vibrant blue and black fruit layers with floral nuances and a velvety texture, finishing with great freshness and on a lingering aniseed note. I love how this wine embraces the cooler vintage rather than fighting it, delivering a very elegant, fragrant style. This graceful beauty will need a good 3-5 years in bottle, then drink it over the next 20 years+.

The Wine Independent | 97+ TWI

Wine Details for 2021 Cheval des Andes

Type of Wine Argentina Red : If there were ever a single word that could perfectly describe fine Argentinian wines, it would be "purity." Red wine lovers could easily become spoiled for choice when that choice involves varietals such as Malbec or Tempranillo. With a complete dedication to a given grape, each bottle tells a compelling story, so have a seat and listen.
Varietal Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend.

Country Argentina : Argentina’s landscape is marked by its extreme geographical features; from the soaring, rocky peaks of the Andes’ and coastal Patagonia to the arid soils of Mendoza to the fertile Pampas lowlands in the east. Its vast array of landscapes, climate and geography, along with truly accomplished and passionate vintners has helped galvanize its name among the very best wine producing regions in the world. Its adopted grape variety, Malbec, is now responsible for some of Argentina’s most famous wines and has helped to elevate its ever growing wine industry.



Vines have been cultivated in Argentina since the 1500’s; however it was not until the 1990s when its true potential was recognized, drawing the attention of accomplished winemakers to its diverse soils. After making a name for himself in California, Paul Hobbs’ foresight and vision led him to cultivate Argentinian soil. More than merely an exploration of terroirs, Vina Cobos was created to showcase what is possible with one of the world’s most compelling noble varietals, Malbec, in a land where its soul soars above all others. Its inaugural vintage marked a milestone, but two decades later, Cobos made history when the 2011 vintage Cobos Malbec became the country’s first professionally rated 100-point wine, defying existing standards and firmly positioning Malbec and Argentina on the international wine scene. This accomplishment became the blueprint that many others would follow.



Today, the high altitude deserts have given rise to a high quality wine industry. The region of Mendoza has gained global recognition for its quality production of Malbec, the ubiquitous and most compelling varietal cultivated in Argentina. Three quarters of Argentinian wine production takes place in Mendoza with Mendoza Malbec accounting for 85% of all Malbec produced in the country. In addition to its flagship varietal, Argentina also boasts significant plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Bonarda and its signature, aromatic white varietal, Torrontes. In more recent years, vineyards have been planted to Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo.



Despite its location near the equator, extreme temperatures are muted by the high altitudes and cold mountain air. Argentina is home to a world-topping vineyard and currently the highest elevation being cultivated at a whopping 9,900 feet above sea level. The Andes’ play a significant role in its climate as it casts a rain shadow over its foothills, allowing very little rain fall and a slow growing season. This slow ripening period leads to concentrated fruit, balanced sugars and acidity in the grapes. From the southern reaches of Patagonia to the northern regions of Salta and Catamarca, the land plays a vital role in the winegrowing and making practices here. Its terroir is well suited to not only Malbec, but to the many varieties in the country’s portfolio.



Argentina boasts an impressive 223,500 hectares under vine with an annual wine output of 10.8 million hectoliters. The country has recently edged Australia’s production and now sits at fifth among all leading producers in the world. Argentina has become one of the most important wine producing countries on Earth, the largest region in South America and one of the principal faces of New World winemaking. Argentina is a remarkable land; one which truly tells its story through the wine itself.


Region Mendoza : South America is a continent where you can find some of the most remarkable wines worldwide. One of the most prolific regions in this part of the world is without a doubt Mendoza, located near the Andes, in western Argentina.
Winemaking in Mendoza is a tale as old as time. In the late 19th century, wine production in this region increased and that's when Argentinian wines began their journey to some of the most luxurious restaurants outside the local market.
What makes Mendoza grapes so fascinating is the prolonged growing season due to warm weather during the day and much cooler nights, so an impeccable balance between rich sweetness and fantastic acidity can be reached. Mendoza wines are therefore quite tannic, with well-known minerality and consistent quality year after year.

In Mendoza, you're most likely to find Criolla Grande and Cereza grape varieties, along with Malbec, maybe the most widely planted variety, and Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. This diversity contributed to Mendoza's wine tourism, featuring the National Harvest Festival celebrated in March, where you can enjoy tons of wine tasting events. Maybe you'll get a chance to meet one of the ravishing Catena Zapata blends, or a famous Malbec red called Trapiche.

Subregion Lujan de Cuyo
Appellation Vistalba

Overview

Producer Cheval des Andes

People also bought:

Need Help Finding the right wine?

Your personal wine consultant will assist you with buying, managing your collection, investing in wine, entertaining and more.

loader
Loading...