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Cheval Blanc 1996

St Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé A

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Tasting Notes

Tasted at the château, the 1996 Cheval Blanc was a majority of Cabernet Franc although the exact blend is not known. Firstly, the color is a healthy garnet with a mahogany rim. The bouquet has good intensity although it is certainly not a complex set of aromas: dusky black fruit, game, clove and a faint touch of hickory. The palate is quite sharp on the entry with noticeable acidity. My main criticism is a lack of cohesion and a lack of Merlot to bind everything together and lend fleshiness. It seems to be rather monochromatic, a Cheval Blanc with a single note, the finish conservative with a touch of black pepper and cooked meat, but a little frayed around the edges. I would drink bottles now and maybe larger formats would yield more pleasure. The bottom line is this is not one of the great Cheval Blancs and that is reflected in my score. Tasted July 2016.

Score: 88

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2016-2026 28 October 2016

Very classic vintage, with 55-60% Cabernet Franc - a Cabernet Franc year. 1996 is a left bank year whereas 1995 was a right bank year.Mid crimson with minimal ageing at the rim. Looks quite thick and rich to judge from the viscosity. Much more obviously Cheval on the nose than the 1999. Intense and lovely fragrance and good potential for development. Very successful bridge between ancient and modern styles. This looked exceptionally good on the day. This was the surprise of this tasting - the best bottle to date.

Score: 18

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2008-2022 10 December 2007

Medium ruby, with a garnet edge. Aromas of plum and fresh herbs, such as basil, that turn to cedar and cigar box. Full-bodied, with soft, silky tannins. Long and flavorful, with subtle chocolate, berry and light coffee aftertaste. Gorgeous.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2007.

Score: 91

James Suckling, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2007+ 01 January 2007

Moderately saturated medium red. Deeper aromas of plum, loganberry, milk chocolate and spice; seems more vibrant than the '97 today. Good density and weight in the mouth; offers a penetrating sweetness and a smooth texture despite its lively acidity. Finishes youthfully fresh, with firm but not hard tannins and sneaky length.

Score: 91

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 01 May 1999

The elegant, moderately weighted 1996 Cheval Blanc reveals a deep garnet/plum, evolved color. Quintessentially elegant, with a complex nose of black fruits, coconut, smoke, and pain grille, this medium-bodied wine exhibits sweet fruit on the attack, substantial complexity, and a lush, velvety-textured finish. It is very soft and evolved for a 1996.

Score: 90

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2000-2015 01 April 1999