2016 Petit Cheval
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Petit Cheval offers a mixture of red and black fruit on the nose, graphite and loam coming through, just missing a little brightness compared to its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with simple red berry fruit laced with graphite and sage. It never quite kicks on and feels a bit flat on the finish. I am convinced there are better bottles than this, even in the context of being a Deuxième Vin. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Enthusiast
More reviews and scores
62% Merlot and most of the rest Cabernet Franc from a fine vintage. Very handsome indeed. Just the wine to be drinking now. No 'second-best' about it – very toothsome and fresh. Just the most appetising aspect of this appellation concentrated into one wine. One to drink while waiting for the grand vin to mature. (JR)
The 2016 Le Petit Cheval has a strange nose at first, with more heightened lavender/potpourri scents than expected. With time, more red fruit, hickory and light autumn leaf aromas emerge. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannins. This is quite savory in style, indicating some Cabernet Franc (38% of the blend). A little chewy toward the finish, and I am not sure it has the longevity of its peers. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
38% Cabernet Franc. Tasted blind. Lightly soapy on the nose but with some greenness and freshness. Racy and with fruit that is just ripe enough. Slightly drying tannins but good weight and persistence. (JR)
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.