2006 Cheval des Andes

Stephen Tanzer
"91 pts ... Bright medium ruby. Initially restrained aromas of currant, black cherry and chocolatey oak accented by pepper and herbs. Suave and claret-like, with mounting energy and inner-mouth floral character to the delineated flavors of currant, tobacco leaf, graphite and pepper. Intensely flavored but understated and backward wine, with strong but well integrated acidity. Finishes firmly tannic, refined and long, with a chocolatey sweetness and stronger minerality emerging with extended aeration. This laid-back wine, a joint venture between Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes, needs at least a few years of cellaring. " -- 1/10

Wine Spectator
"90 pts ... This broad-shouldered red delivers a mix of dark currant, licorice, damson plum and blackberry fruit flavors, well-integrated with espresso-tinged toast. Stays dense and loamy through the finish. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2011. "--10/10

Technical Notes
"The joint venture between Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes, notably the first and only one ever for Cheval Blanc, originated as Pierre Lurton, Cheval Blanc�s Director, sought out a special terroir outside France in which to apply the deep and historical knowledge of blending. Lurton was captivated by the idea of unearthing a connection with Saint �milion�s past, as he found 76-year-old pre-phylloxera Malbec vines, producing some of the world�s best wines. From ungrafted 76-year old vines, two full plants per bottle. Aged 18 months in 100% French oak. 13.5% alc."