Appellations

Cheval Blanc 2013

St Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé A

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Tasting Notes

The 2013 Cheval Blanc, a blend of 49% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Cabernet Franc (and that is the correct blend!), is darker in color than the 2013 Le Petit Cheval. It has a fragrant bouquet with raspberry preserves, wild strawberries and hints of truffle from the Cabernet Franc - one of the most pleasurable you will find in this vintage. The palate is smooth on the entry with sappy red berry fruit, nicely judged acidity, harmonious and lilting in style with good body and density on the finish. There is a huge difference between the deuxième and grand vin this year. Enjoy this fine Cheval Blanc over the next 10-15 years.

Score: 92 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 207-2030 Date: 28 October 2016

The Cheval Blanc 2013 is a blend of 52% Cabernet Franc and 48% Merlot, representing around 60% of the total production. It has a complex bouquet, introverted at first with pure black, mineral rich fruit that feels as if it is holding everything back for later. The palate has commendable purity considering the growing season - certainly with no sign of greenness. It might lack a little flair, but it is very focused with fine tension on the linear finish. Whilst this might be construed as a conservative Cheval Blanc, the addition of all the parcels in the blend has created a very well balanced, engaging Saint Emilion, one that might deserve a higher score post-bottling. Tasted April 2014.

Score: 91 - 93 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 01 April 2014

A lovely mix of red berry and blackberry fruit, with focused red currant, bergamot and black cherry notes. A twinge of mesquite, with a note of black tea, hangs on the finish. There's lovely perfume now, with subtle persistence through the finish. This opens steadily at it airs. Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Tasted non-blind.

Score: 91 - 94 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 01 April 2014

53% Cabernet Franc and 47% Merlot. Lifted, concentrated aromas of black cherry, mint, violets, liquorice, eucalyptus. Delicious entry, very pure and inviting with a satiny texture. There is nice weight of black plummy fruit and serious grip on the back end but the tannins are ripe and almost imperceptible. Very refined with a long harmonious finish.

Score: 92 - 94 Albany Vintners, - Date: 01 April 2014

52% Cabernet Franc, 48% Merlot. Very compact nose, much less expressive than the Petit Cheval. Black fruit, no greenness, and a hint of bitter chocolate. Good persistence and balance, this has been well made. Rounded, soft, approachable and with a smoky character just emerging.

Score: 17 Jancis Robinson MW, Richard Hemming, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2018-2023 Date: 01 April 2014

Seductive. This is incredibly floral with violets, raspberries and hints nutmeg. Full to medium body, with a pretty density and freshness. Silky and refined. Velvety wine. Creamy. Attractive tannin backbone. Fascinating Cheval Blanc. Subtle. Reminds me of 1971 or a baby 2001. 52% cabernet franc and 48% merlot.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 01 April 2014

53% Cabernet Franc. Ruby red. Quite intense aromatically - summer fruit cocktail. Fine, smooth texture. Good mid-palate fruit. Tannins caressing. Elegant wine with focused finish. Less depth but true to style.

Score: 92 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2020-2035 Date: 01 April 2014