0

2023 Le Petit Cheval, St Emilion, Bordeaux

  • Red
  • Dry
  • Full Bodied
  • Merlot (50%), Cabernet Franc (50%)
Not ready
Product: 20238123565
2023 Le Petit Cheval, St Emilion, Bordeaux

Description

Blend: 50% Merlot; 50% Cabernet Franc.

It is the château’s ambition that every plot of vines here should be capable of inclusion in the grand vin. This was the case in 2022, when no Petit Cheval was made. But in 2023, a few Merlot plots were deemed not quite up to the mark; these, along with some young-vine Cabernet Franc, are included here. Accounting for just 10% of the crop, this is a very serious and complete second wine. It lacks all the dimensions of the grand vin, but this is impressive. It is also more aromatically accessible, full of blue fruits, scented herbs and warm spice. It is very much a mini-Cheval Blanc.

Drink 2028 - 2042

Our score: 16.5/20

Berry Bros. & Rudd

Colour Red
Sweetness Dry
Vintage 2023
Maturity Not ready
Grape List Merlot (50%), Cabernet Franc (50%)
Body Full Bodied
Producer Château Cheval Blanc

About this wine

Merlot

The most widely planted grape in Bordeaux and a grape that has been on a relentless expansion drive throughout the world in the last decade. Merlot is adaptable to most soils and is relatively simple to cultivate. It is a vigorous naturally high yielding grape that requires savage pruning - over-cropped Merlot-based wines are dilute and bland. It is also vital to pick at optimum ripeness as Merlot can quickly lose its varietal characteristics if harvested overripe.
Find out more
Saint-Emilion

Saint-Emilion

First officially classified in 1954, St-Émilion is one of Bordeaux's largest winemaking appellations, producing more wine than Listrac, Moulis, St Estèphe, Pauillac, St Julien and Margaux combined. Many of the region's finest vineyards can be found atop the steep limestone slopes of the village itself, although a fledgling band of garagiste producers are eschewing terroir to make small-batch, deeply-concentrated wines from their homes.
Find out more

Château Cheval Blanc

Château Cheval Blanc, a 1er Grand Cru Classé (A) is unquestionably the leading estate in St. Emilion. It is located in the north-west of the St. Emilion appellation, bordering Pomerol.
Find out more

Need help?

Delivery and Quality Guarantee