1988 Cheval Blanc
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Tasting notes
Berry, cherry and chocolate on the nose, with hints of spices. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a spicy, cedary, dark chocolate aftertaste. Very silky and caressing. Grabs your attention. Muscular for Cheval. Overlooked by many Cheval fans. '88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. 12,000 cases made.-James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2009
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1988 is more structured, less alcoholic and less intense than the 1989. It exhibits fine ripeness, and a cool, almost menthol, plummy bouquet intertwined with aromas of smoke and new oak. In the mouth, there are some aggressive tannins, but it does not possess the sheer drama of the 1989. It is a very good Cheval Blanc, but having tasted it numerous times in cask and bottle, I had expected it to be more impressive than it appears to be. Anticipated maturity: 1994-2005. Last tasted, 6/93. Aug 1993, www.robertparker.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.