Country: Argentina

Region: Mendoza

Vintage: 2016

Cépage: Malbec (58%); Cabernet Sauvignon (37%); Petit Verdot (5%)

Size: 750 ml

Rating(s): 97+ (RP); 99 (JS)

" The new vintage to be released in September 2019 is the 2016 Cheval des Andes, which was cropped from a completely unusual year—cooler than the average and with an exceptional amount of rain (around 600 liters), yet the wine has achieved exceptional freshness. It's 13.9% alcohol, and there's more red fruit on the nose, which is subtle and elegant, a little closed at first, shy and subtle. They have done great adjustments in the élevage, with the wine matured in 30% to 40% 400-liter barrels and only 40% new wood. This has less structure than the 2015, but there's more tension; this is a wine that should develop beautifully in bottle. This is a vintage of precision and with great aging potential. I think this wine is the most elegant produced so far. Bravo!"

Luis Gutiérrez (RP) - 10/19