Cheval des Andes, 2007

This joint venture between Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes originated as Director Pierre Lurton sought out a special international terroir in which to apply the storied blending heritage of the French château. Lurton was intrigued by the notion of unearthing a connection with the Saint Émilion past: Malbec, decimated by phylloxera in the 1860s and wiped out as one of the most important varieties in Saint Émilion and Pomerol, has since been reincarnated in ungrafted form in Argentina and now produces some of the world's best. This wine, made using Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and a small percentage of Petit Verdot, spends 18 months in French oak.

This stunning New World Grand Cru is packed full of jam, red berries steeped in brandy, apricot and tobacco aromas, to name but a few. In the mouth it expresses lovely blackcurrant, spice and a gentle nuttiness. Generous and balanced, with beautifully integrated and long tannins.