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

Pleasant one-dimensional fruit, but bland overall and lacking in any structure. Quite disappointing for the price.

Deep ruby red. The nose reveals black plum, cassis, violet, graphite, and subtle notes of cocoa, cedar, and spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet polished, with plush dark fruit, fine-grained tannins (7/10) vibrant acidity, and well-integrated French oak. Structured and elegant with a long finish.

No decant. Drank over 6 hours. Went back & forth between approachable and a bit closed. Wanted to try it before buying more. Beautiful, rich, dark fruit. Delicious, smooth, can enjoy now with a decant and a steak, otherwise hold for an even greater reward.

I had the pleasure of attending a Cheval des Andes tasting in Dallas with the CEO of LVMH's Vins d'Exception, Mathieu Jullien. During this masterclass, we tasted through a vertical of Chevas des Andes, with the showcased vintages being 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. For easy reading, I will write reviews on each of the wines in a single tasting note and share across the vintages. 2019: smokey, scorched earth, black and blue fruits, subtle florals, and spice. Ready to …

Served blind, I'd think this was a top Hermitage due to its smoky character, topped with mint, peppery herbs, barbecued meat, black currants, blackberries, along with a hint of blueberry. The palate is rich, full-bodied, long, fresh, and vibrant, with energetic notes of mint leaf, black cherries, cocoa, chalk, and a range of exotic spices that linger. The wine is produced from blending 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% old vine Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2027-2045.

A bit like gunpowder on the nose with dark fruit. V reductive nose. Softer and rounder versus the others tried today but good depth to the fruit and freshness. Ben liked but personally not convinced would need to revisit

This is the friend who turns up at a dinner but has nothing to say. Fruit is present but thin, acidity doesn’t bother to lift it, tannins are present (which is probably the only thing giving this wine life now). The finish clocks out early, leaving no real imprint. Technically fine, but lacking depth, character, or power.

50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, dark berries, herbs and spices, a lot of freshness, good acidity and tannin.

Lunch @ Cheval Blanc