Appellations

Petit Cheval (2nd wine of Cheval Blanc) 2023

St Emilion, Second wine

GBP Price: Size Quantities Units status Actions
Awaiting Release 6x75cl 0 - [Add to wish list] [Add to pre-order list]
Tasting Notes

Precise carved quality to this Petit Cheval, gorgeous vibrancy to the tannins, savoury cassis and blueberry fruits, with sage, fennel and lemongrass edges, grilled and mouthwatering spices on the finish. Drawn from five plots in 2023. Pierre Olivier Clouet director, 40hl/h yield, 10% of overall production, harvest September 6 to October 3.

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2044 Date: 02 May 2024

The 2023 Le Petit Cheval represents 10% of the estate's production and is a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. In a way, that results in a Petit Cheval that is very Cheval, meaning very expressive in the bouquet but less giving on the palate. Crushed red berry fruit, cinnamon, star anise, pomegranate and blood orange lend an exotic flair. Bright acids and persistent tannins appear on the finish to give the wine shape, closing with a burst of energy. Superb.

Score: 92 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2028-2043 Date: 30 April 2024

The 2023 Le Petit Cheval, which sees no new oak, offers blackberry and raspberry fruit on the nose, with hints of fireside hearth and light Earl Grey aromas, all finely delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with expressive Cabernet Franc that imparts subtle bell pepper notes in the background. Cohesive, silky-smooth and moderate in length, this is an attractive Le Petit Cheval that will give a decade's drinking pleasure.

Score: 91 - 93 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2026-2038 Date: 29 April 2024

There are only 15,000 bottles of the 2023 Le Petit Cheval, a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc that didn't have quite the plenitude of the grand vin. Offering up an attractive bouquet of minty berries, cherries, plums and petals, it's medium-bodied, pillowy and vibrant, with polished tannins and a bright core of fruit. I suspect that a bit of patience will be rewarded by more fat and texture.

Score: 89 - 91 William Kelley, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 26 April 2024

There’s depth of fruit, good structure and freshness in this black-cherry and chocolate-scented wine. It’s full-bodied, yet it tightens up on the finish. Toned, muscular and crisp. 10% of the production of Cheval. 50% merlot and 50% cabernet franc.

Score: - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 24 April 2024