2012 Cheval des Andes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxfvsGpR-Mc The story of Cheval des Andes began exactly twenty years ago. At its origin is the Argentine winery, Terrazas de los Andes, one of the pioneers in wine growing in Mendoza. Pierre Lurton, General Manager at Cheval Blanc, studied the "terroirs" of Las Compuertas with Roberto de la Mota and had the ingenious idea of blending the expertise of Cheval Blanc with the purest, original expression of Malbec, king of the argentine grape varieties. Conceived in 1999, Cheval des Andes has inherited 200 years of expertise in the art of blending from Cheval Blanc. Without a doubt, this vision of wine growing is completely unusual as it combines two very different "terroirs" coupled with two legendary grape varieties and a desire to create complexity out of diversity. Today, the vision of committed viticulturists has been achieved through twenty years of daily care in these unique vineyards which now produce a genuine "grand cru" of the Andes. A single wine is produced from two unusual and exceptional "terroirs" stretching over 46 hectares. The result is uniqueness and complexity. The vineyards in Las Compuertas are the historical site for Cheval des Andes. At 1,070 metres above sea level, this is the highest vineyard on the right bank of the Mendoza river in the province of Luján de Cuyo. Old vine Malbec planted on its own roots in 1929 flourishes here and produces complex, expressive and soft wines. After a while, Cabernet Sauvignon was planted and irrigated using the precise method of drip irrigation. This is a 32-hectare vineyard with a uniquely dry climate (an average of 200mm per annum). Thanks to the altitude, the weather is cooler with significant diurnal variation. The deep alluvial-loam soils are made up largely of limestone (48%), sand (36%) and clay (16%). Further towards the south in La Consulta in the Uco Valley perches the Altamira vineyard at 1,150 metres above sea level. Here the climate is cooler and 14 hectares complete the mosaic of the Cheval des Andes "terroirs". This is composed mainly of Malbec planted in 1945. The thermal amplitude is wider here than in the North. These vineyards produce grapes with good quality tannins, more freshness and floral notes. The alluvial soils are composed of sand (60%), limestone (30%) and clay (10%). Cheval des Andes is a unique concept developed over a long period of time. This is a long-term project. The product of a particular ‘terroir’ with a blend of grape varieties which is unusual in Argentina, it is privy to the expertise of Cheval Blanc and its experienced team. This challenging adventure to search for an exceptional wine is the fruit of human intuition and humility in the face of nature. It has been achieved through the talent of wine growers, ancient practices and the taming of "terroirs". Whether you taste, drink for enjoyment or age this wine, it will bring pleasure to those who appreciate its uniqueness; a "grand cru" from Argentina which is inspired by a top "grand cru" in Bordeaux, Cheval Blanc. It required 20 years of sweat and toil but now Cheval des Andes is here to stay.