2004 Cheval Des Andes

In the late 1950’s LVMH the French luxury products group sensed the enormous potential of South America and dispatched their top oenologists to find suitable sites. Renaud Poirier made his stop at a place called Luján de Cuyo, in the provenience of Mendoza and established its vineyards. In the 1990’s Bodegas Chandon began to reassess its strategy in Argentina and began to match specific grape varieties to specific terroir. The finest example of such a match was the Terrazas De Los Andes Malbec.

A partnership was established between Terrazas De Los Andes and the prestigious Bordeaux Estate of Cheval Blanc who have guided the operations. Winemaker in charge of operations is Pierre Lurton who also presides over Cheval Blanc and Chateau d’Yquem. Robert Mota is the winemaker for Terrazas De Le Los Andes. Lurton was fascinated with the possibilities of making Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. The Malbec vines are ungrafted 76 year old vines.

Made from a blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 55% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot the wine was aged for 18 months in 100% French oak with racking every 3 months.  Totally black purple colour with black purple hue. Powerful nose of blackcurrant, spice, cedar and liquorice. Mouthfilling palate with superb flavour profile of spice, cedar, blackcurrant and chocolate. Outstanding length and depth, beautifully concentrated. Fine dry slightly chalky tannins, very long aftertaste of blackcurrant, spice and black pepper.
Cellar 4-5 years (2011-2012)
Alc/Vol: 13.5%