Introduction: Cuvelier Los Andes brings seven generations of Bordeaux winemaking heritage to the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza's Uco Valley, crafting wines that speak as much of their Andean terroir as of their storied Old World roots. This Cabernet Sauvignon — the estate's "pure expression of the grape" — is produced with the same meticulous process and care as the flagship Colección, making it one of the more compelling values in Argentine Cab. The 2020 vintage delivered extraordinary concentration thanks to a warm, dry growing season that pushed phenolic ripeness to exceptional levels.
Terroir: Situated at 1,000 meters above sea level in Vista Flores, Tunuyán, the estate's 55 productive hectares sit on alluvial soils of stones and sand deposited by Andean runoff — a foundation that lends both minerality and excellent drainage. The Uco Valley's continental high-altitude climate means intense daytime sun for deep fruit ripeness, while cool nights slow sugar accumulation and preserve natural acidity and aromatic lift. This diurnal swing is the defining force behind the wine's balance of power and freshness.
Appearance: Deep, youthful ruby-red with vivid violet reflections and a viscous, slow-moving rim that signals the vintage's natural concentration.
Nose: The aromatics open with intensity and precision — ripe blackcurrant and dark cherry lead, framed by signature Cabernet notes of anise and green herb, underpinned by a subtle mineral thread. With air, the nose reveals hints of cedar and vanilla, a nod to the 11 months spent in French oak.
Palate: The wine enters broadly and confidently, filling the palate with structured body and well-integrated dark fruit — black cherry, plum, and cassis — woven through with black pepper and spice. Tannins are present and firm but not aggressive, supported by fresh acidity (5.66 g/L) that keeps the wine from feeling heavy or extracted. The balance between fruit density and structural backbone is the calling card of this vintage.
Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of dark fruit, anise, and a faint mineral echo that reflects the stony soils of Vista Flores. A subtle earthiness and hint of oak spice linger cleanly, adding complexity without interrupting the wine's natural elegance.
Food Pairings:
🥩 Meat: Grilled ribeye, lamb chops with chimichurri, or slow-braised short ribs
🥦 Vegetarian:Roasted eggplant with tomato and herbs, or a lentil and mushroom ragu 🧀 Charcuterie Board: Aged manchego, cured salami, Marcona almonds, and dried cherries
Overall Impression: The 2020 Cuvelier Los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon is a compelling expression of high-altitude Mendoza — where the stony alluvial soils and dramatic diurnal swings of Vista Flores translate directly into a wine of both power and precision. Deep ruby in the glass, it delivers an intense nose of dark fruit, anise, and mineral lift, followed by a full-bodied palate with firm but polished tannins and a long, spice-tinged finish. Approachable now with decanting, it has the structure to reward cellaring through 2027–2030; serve at 16–18°C to let the aromatics fully open.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.7%
Farming Practices: Organic and biodynamic estate
Producer Name: Cuvelier Los Andes (Bodega Cuvelier Los Andes SA)
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: Argentina
Region: Uco Valley, Vista Flores, Tunuyán, Mendoza
Grape Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2020
Wine Style: Red — Bold & Structured
Winemaking Techniques: Manual harvest in 12 kg boxes; maceration prior to alcoholic fermentation; fermented in stainless steel at max 26°C for 7–10 days; 100% malolactic fermentation; aged 60% in French oak barrels for 11 months
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork
Sources: Cuvelier Los Andes — Official Producer Website