2018, Cheval des Andes, ARGENTINA, Magnum (1500ml)

Bordeaux Blend: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot.

The 2018 Cheval Des Andes is a blend of 70% Malbec - half from Las Compuertas and half from Paraje Altamira - and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from Las Compuertas. It was aged in barrels and foudres, 50% in new oak. Purplish red in the glass. It shows an expressively complex nose of plum, cherry and hints of spice, pepper, ink, blackberry, and blackcurrant. The oak provides a profound and subtle backdrop of sweet spice. In the mouth, it's viscous and broad with a little juice, velvety in texture and with very fine tannins. The finish is long-lasting with a satisfying feel. A relaxed, delicate, extremely well-balanced wine with a more generous core than the 2017 vintage. 96 Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous.

Product of a joint work between Terrazas de los Andes and Cheval Blanc, Cheval des Andes is a Mendoza blend of 70% Malbec – half from Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley and half from Las Compuertas in Luján de Cuyo – and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in barrels and foudres, the nose presents cherries, plums and black and redcurrant over a bed of cedar and spice. Velvety and harmonious in feel, polished tannins and an elegant finish. 98 Alejandro Iglesias, Decanter.

The finest vintage of Cheval des Andes to date. Sensual notes of ripe red berry fruits interplay with wild herbs, graphite and a hint of violet. A fine texture with great length expressing the concentration of fruit from Las Compuertas and freshness of fruit from Altamira. A great show of the increasing elegance in the modern vintages of this top estate in Argentina. 96 Amanda Barnes, Decanter.

Partnering 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from Las Compuertas and Paraje Altamira, this has less tannin, density and acidity than the 2017 release, but retains perfume, polish and depth. Floral and refined, with subtle coffee-bean oak, sculpted tannins, plum, raspberry and blackcurrant fruit. Classy stuff. This confirms Cheval des Andes' standing as one of South America's greatest reds, showing that, as technical director Gérard Gabillet puts it, 'we understand our terroirs better and better every year'. 97 Tim Atkin MW, Decanter.

Drinking Window: 2021 - 2038