Cheval des Andes 2005 Launched In London

Cheval des Andes winemaker Nicolas Audebert found an interesting way to launch the 2005 vintage of Cheval des Andes – the joint venture between Cheval Blanc's Pierre Lurton and Terrazas de los Andes. He appeared at the Ham Polo Club in south west London atop an Argentine polo pony to play polo with some local wine industry professionals. And it wasn't just a stunt, there does happen to be a polo pitch at Terrazas de los Andes.

The Cheval des Andes is a blend of 50% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot s from Terrazas de los Andes' Las Compuertas vineyard located in Mendoza. The fruit of two vines go into each of the limited number of bottles produced. The wine has undergone five weeks of maceration and 18 months French oak barrel ageing resulting in a Bordeaux style with the beefy exuberance of Argentine grapes.

Audebert, who was born in Bordeaux, works with Pierre Lurton of Cheval Blanc and Château d'Yquem to combine Argentine terroir with French wine knowledge.Terrazas de los Andes is owned by luxury conglomerate Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy. The Cheval des Andes 2005 sells for $69.99 on Wine.com.