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Cheval des Andes 2011 75cl

Mendoza | Argentina
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Critics scores
94 Robert Parker
The 2011 Cheval des Andes is at the same time riper but also has higher acidity than 2010 and is a slightly more powerful version of 2010. The palate has very good volume while keeping the freshness. They also reduced the toast from the barrels and improved the quality of the barrels they use (45% new oak was used in 2011). The final blend of 2011 was 71% Malbec, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot. There is red and black fruit plus minty notes on the nose. The palate has density, acidity and good fruit sweetness (but not sweet). The acidity is very precise, the tannins are ripe and sweet, it seems to have the ingredients for a long and nice aging in the bottle. It had the best palate of the trio of vintages I tasted together, 2010, 2011 and 2012. 2011 was a short vintage, so there are no rules. They selected the grapes and whatever volume they produce that's what it is. In this vintage, they finally bottled 45,000 bottles. It's not easy to decide between 2010 and 2011, as both are great vintages.
93 Wine Spectator
A ripe, balanced and powerful red, with elegant flavors of roasted plum, dark cherry and Asian spice. Plush and juicy midpalate, featuring a finish filled with creamy dark chocolate notes. Very refined. Drink now through 2019. 3,500 cases made. –KM
Producer
Cheval des Andes
Cheval des Andes is an impressive estate – it is the synthesis of old world Saint-Émilion, situated along the high-altitude terroirs of Argentina. It also represents the first and only partnership for the Premier Grand Cru estate, Château Cheval Blanc. Manager, the late Pierre Lurton approached Terrazas de los Andes in 1999, proposing this high-end wine project. Amongst the foothills of the Andes cordillera, the 50-hectare vineyard is planted with five grape varieties: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Located on one of the greatest Argentine properties in the Luján de Cuyo region, the grapes are hand-picked and fermented in oak barrels for 18 months before being blended. Through locally driven savoir-faire practices in the vineyard, and meticulous French vinification methods, the resulting wine is the best of two worlds. Recognized as a “New World Grand Cru”, Cheval des Andes, according to Lurton himself, is an “exotic wine with a Bordelais touch.”