Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint Emilion, 1er Grand Cru Classé “A”, Bordeaux, 2016 Tasting notes

What makes Cheval Blanc so unusual is three main soil types – fine textured with clay, more coarsely textured with gravel, and large gravel with sand – that constitute a veritable patchwork. Some estates in Saint-Emilion have excellent gravelly soil, while others in Saint-Emilion and Pomerol have very good clay soils. Cheval Blanc, on the other hand, has both types of soil in fairly equal proportions. Traditionally the Cabernet Franc plays an important role here.

Le Petit Cheval (18 points)
[49% Cabernet Franc, 47% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon]

In 2015 everything was so good that all wine went into the Grand Vin. This year there were only three parcels that were used for the Petit Cheval (7% of the production). Attractive clear red color with some hints of purple. At first a bit shy on the nose but when the nose starts to show itself, it wants to jump out of the glass. On the palate it is the freshness that attracts the attention. Fresh fruit and a good mid-palate. Decent length. I loved the expression of the fruit.

Chateau Cheval Blanc (19,5+ points)
[59% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon]

This year the Cabernet Sauvignon made it back into the blend (3%). There used to be some Cabernet Sauvignon in the old days and the chateau decided to replant this grape variety on 1,5ha of gravely soil. Deep intense ruby red color with some purple. Rather discrete shy nose with interesting complex floral and red fruit aromas. Beautiful expression of the Cabernet Franc. Elegant silky tannins and a lovely freshness. Way longer and more complex than the Petit Cheval. A classic Cheval Blanc with a great ageing potential.