New Arrivals
Advanced Search
wine regions
quick links

Petit Cheval (2nd wine of Cheval Blanc) 2009

St Emilion, Second wine

Excel download

View All Vintages of this Wine

Units Size Case size GBP Price: Quantities Buy
Tasting Notes

This has density and heft, but stays pure and almost accessible now, thanks to its lovely, rounded feel, which allows the plum, fig, steeped black currant, melted licorice snap and loam notes to hang gracefully through the finish, with well-buried acidity. Best from 2013 through 2023. 1,665 cases made.

Score: 92

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2013-2023 31 March 2012

Possibly the finest second wine Cheval Blanc has yet produced, the 2009 Le Petit Cheval is a blend of 35% Merlot and 65% Cabernet Franc. It exhibits more caramelized notes than the grand vin along with a luscious, open-knit, subtle herbaceous component. This fleshy, sexy 2009 is ideal for drinking over the next decade.

Score: 91

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2022 01 March 2012

The 2009 Le Petit Cheval is the best second wine I have ever tasted from this estate. Composed of two-thirds Merlot and one-third Cabernet Franc, it is better than most vintages of the grand vin from the sixties and seventies. Notes of chocolate, black cherries, herbs, and spice emerge from this full-bodied, thick, juicy wine. Enjoy it over the next 10+ years. (Tasted once.)

Score: 91 - 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2010-2020 27 April 2010

This has a little more Cabernet Franc than usual. Intense aromas of dried flowers, spices and blueberries. Full-bodied, juicy and fruity, with a beautiful softness and polish. Goes on for minutes. Best Petit Cheval. The second wine of Cheval Blanc. Best after 2018.

Score: 94

James Suckling, - Maturity: 2018+ 15 February 2012

Delivers plum and spices on the nose, with hints of coffee and black licorice. Full-bodied, offering a wonderful silky texture and a long, long finish. So inviting and delicious already.

Score: 90 - 93

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 April 2010

A blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot, the bouquet is a little more generous than in previous years, with pure blackberry, blueberry, a touch of damson and limestone. Good definition. The palate is structured on the entry, that Cabernet Franc really defining the wine, very fine tannins though and lovely balance. Very pure and linear at the moment, but it skips along towards the finish without a care in the world. Tasted March 2010.

Score: 91 - 93

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 21 April 2010

The second wine of Cheval Blanc. Gorgeous open Cabernet nose with lots of undergrowth and layers. Bright and a little tart in places, then intense and silky with black currants and damson.

Score: 90 - 92

Albany Vintners, - 01 April 2010

Full-bodied (14.2°) but amazingly fresh and balanced (65% Cabernet Franc). Fragrant, focused and satisfying. Fine, filigree tannins. Drink 2015-2025. (17 points)

Score: 17

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2015-2025 01 April 2010

65% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot. Mild, low-key, soft nose. A little inky and awkward at the moment. Chewy finish not integrated with the fruit. A bit of alcohol on the end. This does rather taste like offcuts (15% only, apparently) rather than a wine in its own right. Awkward acidity on the end too.16.5 points. 14.3% Alc

Score: 16 - 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2015-2025 30 March 2010