{"title":"August 20: Argentina","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"bodega-colome-torrontes-salta-argentina-2022","title":"Bodega Colome, Torrontes, Salta, Argentina, 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBodega Colome is nestled in the Calchaqui Valley, 2300 meters (7500 feet) above sea level, in the Argentine northwest. Founded in 1831, it is one of the oldest existing wineries in Argentina. In 2001, it was acquired by the Hess Family Estates. Those who enjoy their wines recognize in them the true taste of wines made with grapes of the highest quality and grown in the highest vineyards in the world (7218-10,207 feet above sea level) reflecting the soul of its terroir. Bodega y Estancia Colome's philosophy consists in the commitment to implement biodynamic agriculture, whose principles were outlined by the researcher Rudolf Steiner.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVegan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eClick \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/4ZpD-Bm6Gwk\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e to watch our YouTube video about this wine!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-bind=\"foreach: AttributeList \u0026amp;\u0026amp; AttributeList.split('\\n')\" class=\"vs2-productDetail-attributes\"\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThibaut Delmotte\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTorrontes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSalta, Argentina\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBodega Colome Torrontés offers the floral notes of roses, the citrus aroma of grapefruit and a spicy hint. In the mouth it is fresh, round and well-bodied with a long, elegant finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - James Suckling (2023 Vintage)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA textured Torrontes with refreshing aromatics of lychee, peach and jasmine followed by a hint of wet stones and fresh herbs. Fresh, tangy and slightly saline on the mid-palate with vibrant acidity that delivers succulence and brightness to the medium- to full-bodied palate. Pretty serious. Vegan.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2022 Vintage)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eThe varietal white 2022 Estate Torrontés has textbook notes of jasmine and orange blossom, looking for the delicate side of the variety through picking at 13.5% alcohol and keeping a low pH and good acidity. The grapes come from vineyards at 1,700 and 2,300 meters above sea level and fermented in stainless steel, and the wine was kept there for one month before being bottled. It's rich and supple, balanced and with a dry finish. Best after 2022.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Breakthru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50152541520177,"sku":"","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Bodega-Colome-Torrontes-Salta-Argentina-2022.jpg?v=1686002190"},{"product_id":"catena-zapata-malbec-argentino-vineyard-mendoza-argentina-2022","title":"Catena Zapata, Malbec Argentino Vineyard, Mendoza, Argentina, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eGreat wines begin in the vineyard. Our vision is to make rich and unforgettable wines that are true to the special place they come from. The story of Catena is the story of Argentine wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"text-justify\"\u003eFounded in 1902, Argentina’s Bodega Catena Zapata is known for its pioneering role in resurrecting Malbec and in discovering extreme high altitude terroirs in the Andean foothills of Mendoza.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eOver the years, Nicolás Catena Zapata discovered the influence altitude has on fruit quality. As one climbs the altitudes of the Andes the average temperature decreases and the amplitude between day and night temperatures increases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"text-justify\"\u003eThis environment provides the ideal climate for grape maturation. Each of the Catena Zapata family vineyards is divided into parcels according to their soil composition. These parcels are farmed individually, with an eye on encouraging their most authentic fruit expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"text-justify\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemakers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlejandro Vigil \u0026amp; Ernesto Bajda\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMalbec\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eMendoza, Argentina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo matter what the vintage, this wine is really more than 100 years old. It represents a family's journey to produce an Argentine Malbec that can stand with the great wines of the world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn the nose, it stands out with its aromas of violets and fruits such as plums and blackberries. On the palate, it exhibits a remarkable fruit load and a concentrated profile. Its evolution in the glass is magnificent, confirming the successful practice of blending. Ideal for those seeking a wine with character and personality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e98 Points - James Suckling  \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eElegant and perfumed nose with violets, spices, fresh blackberries, blueberries and touches of chiles, chocolate, cigar box and white pepper. Super juicy on the palate with compact, fine tannins and an extremely long finish. Drink or hold.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WINEBOW","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50249429057841,"sku":null,"price":119.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/CatenaZapata_MalbecArgentinoVineyard_Mendoza_Argentina_2022.jpg?v=1730921582"},{"product_id":"zuccardi-poligonos-del-valle-de-uco-tupungato-alto-semillon-mendoza-argentina-2022","title":"Familia Zuccardi, 'Poligonos del Valle de Uco', Tupungato Semillon, El Peral, Argentina, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA few years before 1950, Ing. Alberto Zuccardi reaches Mendoza from his homeland in Tucuman where their great-grandparents had settled upon arriving in the Italian region of AveIino. In 1963, Alberto implanted a vineyard in the region of Maipu not knowing that it would begin the great passion of his life, the wine industry. In 1990, his son, Jose Alberto Zuccardi, assumed the General Director of the company.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2005, Sebastian Zuccardi, third generation of the family, lead the development of the new stage of the wines of the winery expansion into the Uco Valley. On his initiative, since 2008 the winery has an area of Research and Development dedicated to the study of the terroir and the different variables that affect wine production. In 2013 the construction of the new Zuccardi winery in the Uco Valley began. It opened in March 2016 with the premise of producing wines with identity, through the continuous exploration of the different terroirs of the Uco Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Zuccardi family’s approach to sustainability starts with the environment and people before any product. They’re dedicated to producing the highest quality wines through sustainable practices such as a focus on nurturing biodiversity, organic farming, efficient irrigation practices, composting, water treatment, comprehensive waste and recycling efforts, and the use of solar energy. The winery itself is designed to be naturally energy efficient by maximizing natural light and minimizing electricity consumption. Its concrete walls fulfill the function of a thermal insulator, the movements of liquid are caused by gravity and the concrete-designed vessels allow for a natural control of the temperature of the wine. As a third generation family-owned winery, the Zuccardi’s take seriously their responsibility to protect the environment, support the land, the farmers and uplift the local community. Through building schools, offering free education, fostering equality, banning child labor, and subsidizing health care, they’re not only elevating their wines and the Uco Valley as a world class wine region, but also giving the people who have contributed to their success a path forward and upward mobility for their own families.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustainable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSebastian Zuccardi\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e100% Semillon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eEl Peral, Argentina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2022 vintage was fresh and perfectly balanced. The unique combination of high sunlight and low temperatures allowed the vines to ripen steadily and maintain their natural acidity. These conditions resulted in elegant, refined, and complex wines, with a great balance between juiciness and freshness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2022 Sémillon Polígonos del Valle de Uco Tupungato comes from El Peral. Yellow in color. The expressive nose offers enticing chamomile and honey notes with subtle woody aromas. On the palate, it’s creamy and tart with a vibrant, savory profile that lingers on the tongue before the fairly concentrated, fruity finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WINEBOW","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50249474572593,"sku":null,"price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Zuccardi_PoligonosdelValledeUco_TupungatoAltoSemillon_Mendoza_Argentina_2022.jpg?v=1730922237"},{"product_id":"bodega-chacra-lunita-pinot-noir-patagonia-argentina-2023","title":"Bodega Chacra, 'Lunita' Pinot Noir, Patagonia, Argentina, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZCPkOeZclzQ?si=tpecuGkTYrJkvc89\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBodega Chacra is located in the Rio Negro Valley of northern Patagonia. The property’s location in the arid central Argentine desert is tempered by the confluence of the Neuquen and Limay Rivers, both of which flow from the Andes and converge in the Rio Negro, which in turn flows into the Atlantic. The climate is dry, with a maximum humidity of thirty percent and an average of seven inches of rainfall annually. This aridity, coupled with the natural barrier of the surrounding desert, results in a complete absence of phylloxera and vine diseases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"dblColumnContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"dblColumn dblColumn-1 text-6\"\u003eChacra was created in 2004 by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, whose grandfather started the legendary Sassicaia Winery in Tuscany. Pieros’ intention was to find the most unobstructed expression of the climate, micro-climate, and terroir of Mainqué in the Río Negro region of Patagonia. Respecting the environment by following biodynamic and organic principles, Piero strives to make wines that are transparent, pure, delicate, and floral with a strong minerality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Patagonia, a “chacra” is a special piece of land separated by canals that bring snowmelt from the Andes and make the Patagonian desert fertile. At the same time, chacras are vital energy centers that provide us with the ability to connect with the whole universe, with everything living and vibrating. In its nourishment, in the marriage with every meal, wine is the companion of pleasure and sensitivity. Wine is intimate and touches all our senses. Chacra aims to enhance that connection. Respecting and enhancing the community of Chacra is of the utmost importance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCertified Organic and Biodynamic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePiero Incisa della Rocchetta\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePinot Noir\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePatagonia, Argentina \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"vs2-productDetail-attributes\" data-bind=\"foreach: AttributeList \u0026amp;\u0026amp; AttributeList.split('\\n')\"\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLunita is a very special wine to me. It is made from a very old, un-grafted, tiny vineyard of 1.5 hectares that we nourished back to life over the course of the last 13 years. The vineyard sits on the middle part of our valley and has an equal amount of calcarious material, sand pebbles, and clay. In prior years, the grapes of the Lunita vineyard were destined to Barda, as I felt that the vines were still somewhat not perfectly balanced. Slowly, as the vineyard came back to life, we decided to ferment it separately. Lunita’s grapes are picked early in the morning and are fermented in an open cement tank in whole clusters. The wine is not extracted nor concentrated as we ferment it by infusions. 50% of the elevage is done in used oak barrels and the remainder 50% is fermented in cement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncredibly perfumed with violets and white flowers, followed by raspberry, cherry and strawberry flavors. Sliced lemon rind notes with mineral and fine wet sand undertones. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that run the length of the wine and give a beautiful, rather endless finish. Planted in 1945. Only 2 hectares. Best Lunita ever. Drink or hold.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grand Cru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50453213577521,"sku":null,"price":62.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/BodegaChacra_Lunita_PinotNoir_Patagonia_Argentina_2023.jpg?v=1734212636"},{"product_id":"cheval-des-andes-mendoza-argentina-2021","title":"Cheval des Andes, Mendoza, Argentina, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inspiration for Cheval des Andes came from the dream of founder Pierre Lurton to follow the original Malbec vines from Bordeaux to Argentina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYears ago, Malbec was widely cultivated in Bordeaux and was brought to Argentina in the mid-19th century, only decades before the grape would be decimated in France by a phylloxera epidemic. Today, the only Malbec that exists in Bordeaux has grafted roots, which make it more resistant but also alter its quality. The vines which travelled to the New World over a century ago are ungrafted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Pierre Lurton discovered the stunning Malbec vineyard of Las Compuertas, planted in Mendoza in 1929, he was immediately captivated, declaring, “This will be a journey to the roots of Bordeaux.” He wanted to bring yesterday’s Bordeaux wines back to life, reconnecting Château Cheval Blanc with the history of Saint-Emilion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1999, Château Cheval Blanc started a joint venture with Terrazas de Los Andes and Cheval des Andes was born. Since then, a predominantly Malbec, Bordeaux-style blend has become the signature of Cheval des Andes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eGérald Gabillet\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eMendoza, Argentina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker Note\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCheval des Andes represents the essence of a fresh vintage in the Mendoza region. In the glass it presents a delicate and brilliant ruby red tone with garnet glints that add depth to the sight. On the nose, this wine offers a fine complexity. Initially, a fragrant blend of spices captivates the senses, gradually evolving into a rich and varied aromatic palette. Here, floral notes of jasmine, honeysuckle and violets intertwine with the freshness of red and forest fruits. Currants, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries emerge as protagonists, granting this bouquet of incomparable freshness. On the palate, this wine is distinguished by its elegance and delicacy, its acidity and freshness emerge as two of its most outstanding attributes. Its unique texture, characterized by silky tannins typical of a fine integration of wood, merge with a lingering finish that faithfully reflects the richness of its initial aromas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComplex aromas of blueberries, pie crust, fresh flowers and currant bush with hints of baking spices like nutmeg. Medium- to full-bodied with extremely fine tannins that are integrated and gorgeous. Graceful and refined, with super length. Interestingly, 20% of the wine was aged in large oak casks (2,500 liters), mostly from Slovenia. Try after 2027 but a joy to taste now.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe finest vintage of this wine I've tasted, the 2021 Cheval Des Andes is based on 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Malbec, and the balance Petit Verdot. It has a decidedly Bordeaux-like nose of ripe currants, leafy tobacco, cedarwood, and a kiss of flowers, with perfectly integrated background oak. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a layered, seamless mouthfeel, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It has this remarkable sense of purity and class, and while it's incredible today (especially with a decant), I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve gracefully for two decades.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Vinous\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecognized as #6 in the worldwide Top 100 of Vinous Media 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon from Altamira, 48% Malbec from Altamira and Las Compuertas, and 3% Petit Verdot from Las Compuertas, the 2021 Cheval des Andes showcases a blend in peak form, both in terms of varieties and origins, all from Mendoza. In many ways, 2021 was a Bordeaux-like year for a region as dry and sunny as Mendoza. The wine reflects this, offering delicate cherry and blackberry fruit along with a touch of wild herbs, layered with hints of ash and orange petit-fours. Dry, with fine-grained, lightly reactive tannins, the palate is juicy and enveloping. Though leaner than in previous years, it remains equally refined. Long and nuanced, this is such an elegant wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Wine Independent\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eComing from a cooler, wetter vintage, the 2021 Cheval des Andes is a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot. The nose is incredibly closed and slightly reduced to begin. After giving it considerable time and air, floral notes of violets and iris bulb begin to emerge, leading to a core of ripe, juicy blueberries, warm cassis, and red currant preserves, plus suggestions of tar and anise. The medium to full-bodied palate is very bright and pure, delivering vibrant blue and black fruit layers with floral nuances and a velvety texture, finishing with great freshness and on a lingering aniseed note. I love how this wine embraces the cooler vintage rather than fighting it, delivering a very elegant, fragrant style. This graceful beauty will need a good 3-5 years in bottle, then drink it over the next 20 years+.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2021 Cheval des Andes is seductive and savory on the nose, leading with pure, earth-tinged aromas of pipe tobacco, turned soil, dried herbs and rich yet composed dark fruits. Exotic, dark spice notes and a pleasantly integrated framing of new oak accents appear with further aeration. The palate is deliciously supple and impressively layered, with a harmonious, long and ever-expanding finish that highlights extreme delicacy. The tannins are persistent yet composed, gently yet persistently lengthening the finish and melding nicely with the vibrant acidity underneath—a beautiful combination of savory charm, serious depth and focused intensity. It's a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Malbec and 3% Petite Verdot that spent an average of 12-13 months in 50% barrique, 30% demi-muid and 20% foudre.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2021 Cheval des Andes is seductive and savory on the nose, leading with pure, earth-tinged aromas of pipe tobacco, turned soil, dried herbs and rich yet composed dark fruits. Exotic, dark spice notes and a pleasantly integrated framing of new oak accents appear with further aeration. The palate is deliciously supple and impressively layered, with a harmonious, long and ever-expanding finish that highlights extreme delicacy. The tannins are persistent yet composed, gently yet persistently lengthening the finish and melding nicely with the vibrant acidity underneath—a beautiful combination of savory charm, serious depth and focused intensity. It's a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Malbec and 3% Petite Verdot that spent an average of 12-13 months in 50% barrique, 30% demi-muid and 20% foudre.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Duclot","offers":[{"title":"Normal Condition","offer_id":53342580572465,"sku":null,"price":106.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Label Condition","offer_id":53342685659441,"sku":null,"price":105.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Cheval_des_Andes_Mendoza_Argentina_2021.jpg?v=1743185132"}],"url":"https:\/\/marchantofwine.com\/collections\/august-20-argentina.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}