2023 Le Petit Cheval Blanc
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Tasting notes
Classically profiled, the Sauvignon Blanc leaps from the glass here – with grassy, herbal aromatics and green apple that sit alongside more tropical fruit, with mango, peach and almost pineapple intensity. This is far from over-the-top, however, with zingy acidity and a line of saline minerality that drives through the core of the palate. There’s a real richness to the palate, the Semillon lending a waxy breadth, with toasty, spicy hints from the oak and chalky texture. Concentrated, balanced and very long, this is another brilliant Petit Cheval Blanc. Blend: 73% Sauvignon Blanc and 27% Semillon, 13.5% alcohol
Critic scores
Average Score
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The relatively new white wine of this reference point château in Saint-Emilion, the 2023 Château Cheval Blanc Le Petit Cheval Blanc is based on 73% Sauvignon Blanc and 27% Sémillon and was brought up 20 months in demi-muids and foudres. Its light gold hue is followed by a pure, graceful, gorgeous Sauvignon that has bright citrus, grapefruit, white flowers, and hints of spice, with a building sense of minerality. It brings medium-bodied richness, has a rounded, layered mouthfeel, integrated yet clean, bright acidity, and a clean finish. It's a brilliant white that will keep for at least a decade. Drink 2026-2035.
The 2023 Le Petit Cheval Blanc is superb. I tasted it twice, once at the château and then a second time at a nearby restaurant, where the wine was much more expressive. The blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon really features the richness of Sémillon, especially with some air, while aging in larger-format wood softens the curves and tempers the greener side of Sauvignon Blanc.
This booms right out of the glass, just a knockout, fabulous white with so much personality, steel, cold ash, grilled nectarine, preserved citrus. A full two years ageing on full lees. Since its inaugural vintage, this is a wine that has unquestionably grown in itself, and it's hard to go wrong with this particular vintage. Harvest August 19, with 24 months ageing in large oak casks for the whites, the longest ageing to date, successfully capturing density and mid palate. 10% new oak, spread across a mix of 600l demi-muids and large oak casks. Estate director Pierre-Olivier Clouet.
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.