Cheval des Andes 2020 Mendoza

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
98/100 punten
There are some more changes: in 2020, they went for a lighter bottle, weighing 100 grams less than the one they used in 2018 and 2019, but close to 300 grams less than the bottle from before. It's also a slimmer bottle, always thinking about the environment. They are very focused on agroecology, accelerating the regenerative viticulture and using cover crops; they have planted 1,900 trees in the last three years, creating small clusters of biodiversity for birds. hey have transplanted some centenary olive trees and keep their sheep and lamas on the property. Very green-minded.

Tim Atkin MW
98/100 punten
Picked and transported in refrigerated trucks to combat the heat of the 2020 vintage, the latest release of Cheval des Andes is all about attention to detail. Pairing equal amounts of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon and for the first time since 2016 - 2% Petit Verdot, it’s a brilliant assemblage, combining components from Las Compuertas and Paraje Altamira. Mocha and coffee bean aromas segue into a refined, nuanced, layered palate with graceful tannins, blackberry, bramble and blackcurrant leaf flavours and supporting acidity. A triumph, despite the challenging growing season.

Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux)
97/100 punten
Crushed raspberry plum in colour, vibrant and concentrated, juicy and balanced, has precision and succulence and carefully thought out delivery of tannins, grilled spices, nutmeg, liqourice, bilberry, damson and pomegrante. Great stuff, playing at a high level. Gérald Gabillet winemaker and director, LVMH owners. 

James Suckling
97/100 punten
Ripe, baked dark cherries with spices and some violets. Hints of graphite, cocoa powder, incense and black pepper. Dried rose petals. A slightly fuller Cheval des Andes with tense, silky tannins and a lingering, generous finish. Ripe, but still has lots of restraint and precision. 49% malbec, 49% cabernet sauvignon with a 2% petit verdot. 24% of the malbec comes from Altamira and all the rest of the fruit come from Las Compuertas. Drink or hold. 

Vinous
96/100 punten
The 2020 Cheval des Andes is a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot from Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley and Las Compuertas in Luján de Cuyo. Aged in French oak barrels, it's purple in the glass with a garnet sheen. The nose reveals a well-judged approach to the warmth of 2020, featuring ripe plum, redcurrant, mint and hints of white pepper over a bed of bay leaf and cedar. It's dry and velvety on the palate, with rich, polished tannins that deliver a juicy, balanced mouthfeel. The balsamic notes and rich palate reflect the year's character, while the finish is dynamic and long-lasting. 

Decanter
95/100 punten
This almost half-half Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec with 2% Petit Verdot is rich and full in the mouth. Tannins are massy and filling, this has power and dominance with concentrated blackcurrant, plum and black cherry fruit. Highly spiced and sunkissed, this is intense and quite a force on the palate with liquorice, black pepper and tobacco tones and a flinty mineral aspect on the finish. The alcohol sticks out a touch, just lingering with heat at the end, but it has freshness and matches the altogether hefty frame and power from start to finish. Certainly a punchy and confident wine that's out to shine. 3.83pH. Ageing 22 months, 40% in 225l Bordeaux barrels, 405 in 400l barrels, 20% in 2,500l foudres (50% new). 

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (The Wine Independent)
95/100 punten
The 2020 Cheval des Andes is made from 49% Malbec, 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it starts off a little broody with tar and black olives notes giving way to a core of plum preserves, stewed black cherries, and mulberries, with wafts of garrigue and iron ore. The full-bodied palate is laden with black fruit preserves with a solid frame of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with a spicy lift. This estate is a joint venture between Chateau Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de Los Andes.