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Cheval Blanc 2012

St Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé A

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Tasting Notes

A beautiful wine that always seems to drink well, the 2012 Cheval Blanc has a sweet, fragrant nose of black and red currants, floral nuances and spice. Supple, round and juicy, this wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 15 or more years.

Score: 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2015-2030 01 April 2015

The final blend for the 2012 Cheval Blanc was 54% Merlot and 46% Cabernet Franc. Despite the use of 100% new oak, there is not a hint of vanillin, toast or espresso notes in the aromatic bouquet, which is filled with scents of black currants, sweet cherries, lavender, forest floor and a hint of underbrush. Concentrated with a surprisingly lofty alcohol level of 13.9% as well as a tannin level that equals their 2010 (a wine bestowed a three-digit score), this full-bodied, opulent 2012 has a pH of 3.8, which accounts for its suppleness, velvety texture and heady richness. It is a great success in this vintage. It will be approachable early given its silky structural aspects, and should last for two decades.

Score: 94 - 96

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2013-2033 26 April 2013

Understated, fresh, elegant nose. Beautifully pure fruit on the palate - blueberry and blackberry notes. Plump mid-palate then lovely, silky tannins. A notch better than a very good 2011. The winemaker compares it to 2000. (18.75 points)

Score: 18 - 19

Steven Spurrier, Decanter.com Maturity: 2020-2040 26 April 2013

54% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Franc. Deep dark crimson. Marked Cabernet nose. Smells pure and fresh and crunchy. Finest of fine tannins but they go deep, as does the fruit. It is not leafy but there that classic Cabernet Franc fresh aroma that tends that way. There's some grip but fine friction. Elegant, long; energy underneath a relatively gentle-seeming exterior. 'Power and sweetness of Merlot and finesse of Cabernet Franc. The true Cheval Blanc style we like', says Kees van Leeuwen. Very clean, complex aromatic profile. Delicious and I think you could drink it, with much pleasure, even earlier than I have suggested.

Score: 18 - 19

Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2020-2035 26 April 2013

Tightly wound, with a core of red currant, red licorice and bergamot. The long, earth-driven finish shows a tug of clay and warm stone, while a backdrop of bittersweet cocoa and dark tea waits in reserve. Reveals a sinewy side, balanced by muscle and flesh. Impressively rendered for the vintage. Tasted non-blind.

Score: 94 - 97

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 08 April 2013

This is really beautiful with blackberry, chocolate, and light nuts character. Full yet refined and beautiful. Seamless tannins. It goes on for minutes. This is so elegant and beautiful. The tannins are just right and not overdone for the vintage.

Score: 93 - 94

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 04 April 2013