Avis professionnels
Robert Parker (97)
Soon to be released through La Place de Bordeaux, the 2022 Cheval des Andes opens with an exotic, spice-driven bouquet, supplemented by lifted herbal notes and a vibrantly red-fruited and perfumed backdrop. The palate is similarly energetic, melding an elegantly rich, polished texture with a slender, tensile energy. It concludes with a long, persistent and high-toned finish that gradually unfurls a sturdy structure of supremely refined tannins. This is an excellent counterpoint to the comparatively darker and more open-knit 2021, showcasing a brighter, more tenacious profile while sacrificing none of the grace, nuance and textural attention to detail that has come to define Cheval des Andes. It's a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot.
James Suckling (98)
Aromas of dark currants, spices, cloves and a touch of elderberries. The palate is elegant and medium- to full-bodied with polished, precise tannins, firm fruit, a juicy backbone and a solid and flavorful finish. 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% malbec from Lujan and Altamira. Drink from 2027.
Jancis Robinson (17.50)
Full bottle 1,372 g. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot from 32 ha in Las Compuertas where their new winery is and 15 ha in La Consulta. Described as 'the Argentinian expression of Ch Cheval Blanc of St-Émilion'. Pierre-Olivier Clouet claims that his and the rest of the Cheval Blanc team's ability to gain experience of two vintages a year is wonderful. This is the first vintage with this much Cabernet Sauvignon; they're trying to mirror the Cabernet Franc/Merlot ratio at the home farm. 2016 was the first year they felt justified in mentioning Cheval Blanc on the back label because they had started to pick earlier, with freshness, ageing potential and balance in mind. They used to pick the Malbec in early May. Now it can be late February.
Bright, dark garnet. Very fresh nose indeed – much fresher than a typical red bordeaux in fact! (But then the elevations are completely different.) With just a touch of Malbec gaminess. Luscious texture and those famous 'cashmere tannins' (copyright Pierre Lurton). Both luscious and lush-fruited, with just a little dryness on the end when tasted without food but overall this is pure pleasure for those of us who are fans of Cheval Blanc. (JR)
Vinous (99)
The 2022 Cheval des Andes is a significant upgrade to Mendoza’s historic regional blends, combining grapes from Las Compuertas (Luján de Cuyo) and Paraje Altamira (Uco Valley). The 2022 vintage allowed for a slower ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon, which take prominence in this blend alongside 30% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. Aging was carried out in 40% 225-liter Bordeaux barrels, 35% 400-liter barrels and 25% 2,500-liter
Falstaff (98)
Dark ruby in colour with purple reflections, and subtle brightening on the rim. Delicately smoky on the nose with tobacco notes, black cherry, inviting ripe plum, a hint of fig, some nougat, and orange zest. The palate is complex and tightly woven with ripe tannins, fine acidity and a core of fine fruit, redolent of cherry and blackberry, mineral and very persistent, very promising. Great.
