Cheval des Andes 2010 Mendoza i trækasse

Robert Parker

The 2010 Cheval des Andes is produced with grapes grown at an old vineyard (planted in 1929) at Las Compuertas, in the Luján de Cuyo department of Mendoza plus grapes from La Consulta in the Uco Valley. The blend changes with each vintage and in 2010 they had very good Petit Verdot so the percentage of it is higher than ever. It's a blend of 60% Malbec and 20% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. The wine shows great integration of the oak, with notes of blackcurrant and spices (black pepper), showing restraint and incipient elegance along with underbrush and hints of truffles. I think I've never seen such an elegant Cheval des Andes. The palate reveals very good balance between power and elegance with ripe, fine-grained tannins, good length and freshness. Stronger balsamic notes emerge with time in the glass. This is one of the finest vintages of Cheval des Andes, challenged maybe... by 2011! Keep an eye open for these two vintages. 60,000 bottles produced.

Vinous

Saturated bright ruby. Pungent, inky aromas of blackberry, espresso, bitter chocolate, wild herbs and crushed rock. Boasts superb ripeness for a wine from a cool year, offering sneaky sweetness to the dense, palate-saturating flavors of dark berries, licorice and minerals. Combines outstanding delicacy and energy, communicating a weightless impression. Finishes with noble tannins and outstanding subtle length. This joint venture between Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes is consistently one of Argentina's classiest bottlings.

James Suckling

This is very structured and powerful with lots of firm tannins that are polished and pretty. It's full-bodied, with blackberry, dark chocolate and hints of hazelnut. 50% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20 Petit Verdot. Very Bordeaux. A wine for long-term aging but so beautiful now.

Vivino