|
 
One of the rare properties to never have changed hands, the vineyard has been the property of the Fourcaud-Laussac for over 150 years. 15 hectares of land sold by Figeac to Monsieur Ducasse in 1832, and a further 15 hectares acquired in 1837 constituted the future Cheval Blanc. In 1854 Mademoiselle Ducasse married Monsieur Fourcaud-Laussac. On this occasion 5 hectares were added to the domaine which henceforth sold the wine under the name of Château Cheval Banc.
Continuous quality-oriented family management through the years resulted in a tradition of excellence, culminating in Cheval-Blanc's top ranking in the 1954, Saint-Emilion classification.
The heirs of Fourcaud-Laussac have run the domaine until 1999, when sold to the two businessmen; Bernard Arnault (Chairman of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) and Albert Frêre.
The 1868 edition of Cocks and Féret declared : "The wine of Cheval-Blanc is very soft, with body and delicacy, but has, above all, its own particular cachet that attracts an ever-increasing demand".
The estate has for more than 10 years been professionaly managed by Pierre Lurton.
All pictures provided to BDXV by Chateau Cheval Blanc/Deepix.com
  
Facts & Figures
Area under vine
37 hectares
Production
150,000 bottles
Soil
Top-soil: A deep layer of grvelly-sandy soil, Sub-soil: Sandy-clay soil over compact blue clay
Grape varieties
58% Cabernet Franc
42% Merlot
Ageing
14 to 20 months in 100% new French oak
Average age of the vines
39 years
Second wine
Le Petit Cheval
  
Wines available
Chateau Cheval Blanc 2005, EUR POA*
Score: 96 points. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035.
Robert Parker: 96 points
April 2008: The dense ruby/purple-hued 2005 Cheval Blanc’s ethereal bouquet of menthol, coffee, wet stones, black cherries, blackberries, and hints of graphite and spice soars from the glass. An equal part blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, it is medium to full-bodied with a gorgeous texture in addition to high tannins that glide over the palate with no angularity or astringency. While it does not quite reach the perfection of the 2000, it should rival the profound 1998 and 1990. This is not a Cheval Blanc for near-term drinking as it demands at least a decade’s worth of cellaring.
April 2007: This spectacular blend of nearly equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot has put on weight over the last year (as most top Chevals tend to do). The color is an inky/blue/ruby/purple, and the wine reveals an extraordinary aromatic profile of subtle mocha, licorice, pain grille, and abundant red, blue, and black fruits. As usual, there is an underlying hint of menthol, or is it forest floor? A classic, quintessential medium-bodied Cheval Blanc boasting a stunning texture and high tannin, but neither aggressiveness nor angularity, the 2005 appears capable of rivaling the extraordinary 2000 and 1998. However, the production of 95,000 bottles is relatively small. It requires 6-8 years of bottle age, and it should evolve effortlessly for 35+ years.
April 2006: A prodigious Cheval Blanc that should challenge the 2000 and 1998 as the finest Cheval since the 1990, the 2005's final blend consisted of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot. The Merlot harvest began on September 15th and lasted until the Cabernet Franc was finished around October 6th. Administrator Pierre Lurton told me, “I prefer to pick the Merlot a little early, and the Cabernet Franc a little late.” The deep ruby/purple-colored 2005 reveals an extraordinary projected, surreal bouquet of menthol, red, blue, and black fruits, and hints of mocha, licorice, and sweet oak. This opulent, tremendously concentrated Cheval Blanc possesses undeniable finesse, elegance, and freshness as well as a vibrant, nuanced, delineated personality.
Jancis Robinson: 19+ points
Very dark and lustrous. Much more obviously Cabernet Franc than the Petit Cheval – quite rigorous and yet still ripe though with some really aromatic leafiness – in the appetising rather than underripe spectrum. Even a hint of black pepper. Extremely broad and ripe and sumptuous. Full, sweet yet with lovely lift and lustrousness – it does seem less earthbound than some recent vintages. Certainly very, very ripe. The finest tannins – like the threads in a silk shawl. A lovely skein of flavours. So very, very neat and confident. Great freshness! Very reminiscent of older classic Cheval vintages – 1983 with a bit more flesh?
Chateau Cheval Blanc 2000, EUR POA*
Score: 100 points. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030.
Robert Parker: 100 points
This closed, backward blend of 53% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Franc boasts a saturated purple color along with a reticent but striking bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, truffles, and mocha. In spite of its tightness, aeration reveals scents of licorice, menthol, and saddle leather. Opulent and full-bodied, with low acidity, sweet tannin, and a 60-second finish, it is unquestionably as profound as the 1990 and 1982. I still believe the 2000 has the potential to be the most compelling Cheval Blanc since the mythical 1947 and 1949, but patience is required. It should merit a three digit score in 7-10 years, but it is closed at present.
|
