2009 Petit Cheval
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Tasting notes
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. James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
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
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.
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. 14.3% Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com
About the producer
Ch. Cheval Blanc is one the finest producers in Bordeaux. The Saint-Emilion estate’s Cabernet Franc-dominant wines are consistently among the top wines of the vintage.