Fancy Pants Wine: Cheval des Andes 2004

Originally published on May 3, 2008.

And another fancy pants wine, in case your pants are feeling especially fancy today…

Cheval des Andes 2004 (Mendoza, Argentina)
A joint venture between Terrazas de los Andres and Chateau Cheval Blanc, St. Emilion’s Premier Grand Cru. Winemaking is overseen by Pierre Lurton, who also manages Chateau d’Yquem in Bordeaux’s Sauterns region.

The wine is described as a “New World Grand Cru”, but whatever it’s called, it’s good stuff. A blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and a bit of Petit Verdot, it offers up black cherry, black currant, violets, spices, with full body, intense flavors, and great length. The label also sports a white “cheval” hidden among the Andes – can you spot it in the image above?

Very drinkable now, this wine can also age 5 – 10 years.