The 2022 Cheval des Andes is a distinguished red wine from Mendoza, Argentina, crafted through a partnership between Château Cheval Blanc and Terrazas De Los Andes. This vintage is a proprietary blend predominantly composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot, showcasing the region's winemaking prowess.
Vinous awarded this wine an exceptional score of 99, highlighting its “serious concentration, fine tannins and slight creaminess,” with a finish that is “long, energetic and full of flavor.” The wine's bouquet features bright fruit notes like raspberry and blueberry, complemented by mint and bay leaf tones.
Decanter also praised the 2022 Cheval des Andes with a score of 98, describing it as a “svelte and streamlined expression with real charm and finesse.” The tasting notes mention an “earthy, savoury nose” with blackcurrants, violets, and chocolate, creating a vibrant and energetic profile.
James Suckling matched this high praise with a score of 98, noting “aromas of dark currants, spices, cloves, and a touch of elderberries.” The wine is described as “elegant and medium- to full-bodied” with a “solid and flavorful finish.”
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Jane Anson both gave this wine a 97, with Parker's review emphasizing its “exotic, spice-driven bouquet” and “elegantly rich, polished texture.” Anson highlighted the wine's “fragrant, exceptional quality,” pointing out its concentrated black cherry and damson fruits.
The wine's aging process involved 50% new oak, utilizing a mix of 225-liter barrels, 400-liter barrels, and 2,500-liter casks. This meticulous craftsmanship has resulted in a wine that is both structured and vibrant, with the potential to age gracefully over the next two decades.