Cheval des Andes 1999

The first vintage, with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Malbec. Warm and spicy with a hint of mint, as well as sweet, lush blackberry fruit. Very smooth with notes of cedar and minerals. Lovely texture and soft, silky tannins. Sweetness, ripeness and balance together in one wine. – Jamie Goode, wineanorak.com 94p

The 1999 vintage is the Argentinian expression of Saint-Émilion’s premier grand cru, Château Cheval Blanc. Refined, elegant, vibrant and enticing, it reflects the passion, expertise and excellence of the French and Argentinian estates at its core. When Pierre Lurton first tasted malbec produced in the exceptional Mendoza terroir, he dreamed of re-establishing the Bordeaux connection with the grape, which had been one of the region’s most important varietals until it was wiped out by pests in the 1860s. Cheval des Andes is the fulfilment of his dream – the perfect assemblage reborn.

Deep cherry with violet highlights.Notes of dry peaches and florals combine with ripened fruit and preserves. There are additional traces of cedar wood, chocolate, tobacco and spice. This warm and developed red has notes of forest berries, spices and almonds. Sweet tannins lead to a long and elegant finish.