The 2012 vintage of Cheval Des Andes represents a compelling synthesis of Old World winemaking mastery and New World terroir. This prestigious project, a joint venture between Château Cheval Blanc of Bordeaux and Terrazas de los Andes in Mendoza, was conceived to craft an Argentine 'Grand Cru' blend.
Sourced from high-elevation vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley, Mendoza, the blend typically features a significant proportion of Malbec complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, and sometimes Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc. The extreme diurnal temperature shifts at these altitudes contribute to grapes with intense colour, aromatic complexity, and firm tannic structure, while preserving vital acidity.
Winemaking protocols reflect a meticulous approach, with careful fruit selection, fermentation in small tanks, and extended maturation in French oak barrels. The 2012 expression, now with a decade of bottle age, offers a testament to its design for longevity, allowing its intricate layers to unfold gracefully.
Tasting notes
The 2012 Cheval Des Andes presents a deep garnet hue, hinting at its maturity. The bouquet is complex and evolving, revealing notes of dried blackcurrant, plum, and fig, interwoven with tertiary aromas of cedar, tobacco leaf, leather, and a subtle hint of graphite. On the palate, it is full-bodied and impeccably balanced, with integrated tannins that provide a velvety texture. The fruit core remains vibrant, supported by a fresh acidity that carries through to a remarkably long and persistent finish, marked by savoury undertones and a lingering spice.