2012 Cheval des Andes, 6-bottle Lot, Wood Case

Cheval des Andes is a collaboration between Château Cheval Blanc of Saint-Emilion and Terrazas de los Andes, an important Argentinian producer. The roots of the joint venture were set in the 1990s, when Pierre Lurton, president of Cheval Blanc, visited Argentina and was impressed with Terrazas de los Andes’ Las Compuertas Vineyard. The 125-acre, sandy loam vineyard is planted to Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The vines were originally planted in 1929. The debut Cheval des Andes was the 1999 vintage, and each year Cheval des Andes makes just one wine, which it describes as a “grand cru” of the Andes. The blend is generally slightly more than half Malbec, with Cabernet Sauvignon and small amounts of other Bordeaux grapes. Reviewers have been impressed, giving the wine ratings in the low- to mid-90s.

Luján de Cuyo was Argentina’s first official wine appellation when it was established in 1993. The appellation is named for the city of Luján de Cuyo, the department capital. Vineyards in this appellation are in the upper Mendoza Valley, and they are often at altitudes of 3,300 feet or more. The soil is sandy and alluvial with clay underneath and moderate rainfall encourages growth. Historically the area grew pink skin grapes for slightly sweet pink or white wines. Since the late 1980s, however, Malbec has been Mendoza’s most important grape, since it makes a rich, dark, robust, age-worth red. The second most important red grape is Bonarda, which is thought to be the same grape that California growers know as Charbono. Italian and Spanish red grapes including Sangiovese, Barbera and Tempranillo were brought by immigrants, and they are grown today. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Torrontés and numerous other red and white grapes are also grown successfully. Considered by many to be the most desirable wine appellation in Argentina, Luján de Cuyo has attracted attention from international winemakers and producers.

Joint venture by Chateau Cheval Blanc & Terrazas de Los Andes