Review: 2012 Cheval des Andes Mendoza
Sunday is World Malbec Day, so why not celebrate with one of the most refined expressions you’ll find — from its spiritual home in Argentina?
Cheval des Andes is a joint venture between Chateau Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux and Terrazas de los Andes in Argentina. For 2012, the wine is 66% malbec, 26% cabernet sauvignon, and 8% petit verdot — kind of a red Bordeaux turned inside out.
Supple and restrained, the nose of the wine balances ripe fruit with gentle earth and spice. The body is rich — on the sweet side but balanced well enough — showcasing blueberries, some cherry, and elements of tobacco and leather showing on the moderate finish. This is a wine with depth, but its tannins are restrained and supple, making for some remarkably easy enjoyment.
A- / $95