2023 Cheval Des Andes Mendoza Argentina

This vintage shows good precision as it zeroes in on balance and complexity with a Bordeaux-like sensibilty. Excellent complexity on the nose, showing currants, paprika, cedary blackberries, tobacco, grilled herbs and touches of cocoa powder and roasted sweet spices. Round and more effortless this year, with a positively fluid, precise mouth-feel, Medium body round off by silky, sweet tannins. Lightly creamy at the end but really integrated and elegant, with a long, supple finish. A blend of 57% cabernet sauvignon, 40% malbec and 3% petit verdot. Already approachable, but can hold for a decade, if not more. ~98 James Suckling

As finely made as the 2021, the 2023 is 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot from a massal selection taken from Bordeaux. Barrel-fermented and aged, it’s gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous, exceptionally well-made and precise in its grasp of rich mouthfeel, incredible structure, and intoxicating aromatics of cedarwood, tobacco, and wildflowers. The full-bodied concentration is supple and seamless, with layers of inky blue and black fruit as well as cacao nib lending a subtle richness complemented by graphite and dried herb. This is a cru of excellence that should be in its prime 2030-2043. ~98 Jeb Dunnuck

A very impressive rendition of a generally warm, dry vintage, the 2023 Cheval des Andes opens with a more red-fruited, brighter character than is typical, accented by dried herb, graphite, dried mint and lifted floral tones that come to the fore with aeration. Echoing the lifted nature of the nose, the palate delivers the soft, elegantly polished profile that one can routinely expect at this address, albeit with a slightly more slender core. It concludes with a persistent finish defined by understated richness and a notably refined tannin profile, the latter of which is particularly impressive, as it is often a shortcoming of this harvest. The blend is 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot. ~96 Wine Advocate