Cheval Blanc & Terrazas de Los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Mendoza 2021

A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon from Altamira, 48% Malbec from Altamira and Las Compuertas and 3% Petit Verdot from Las Compuertas, the 2021 Cheval des Andes showcases a blend in peak form, both in terms of varieties and origins, all from Mendoza. In many ways, 2021 was a Bordeaux-like year for a region as dry and sunny as Mendoza. The wine reflects this, offering delicate cherry and blackberry fruit along with a touch of wild herbs, layered with hints of ash and orange petit-fours. Dry, with fine-grained, lightly reactive tannins, the palate is juicy and enveloping. Though leaner than in previous years, it remains equally refined. Long and nuanced, this is such an elegant wine.

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.

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.

A wonderful Cheval des Andes, luscious, layered, nuanced, a kick of nutmeg spice, blueberry and damson fruits, salted cracker mouthwatering finish, with deftly-handled freshness the signature of a cooler vintage. Gérald Gabillet winemaker, joint venture between Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes. 70% new oak for ageing.

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 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.