2006 CH CHEVAL BLANC 1ER GRAND CRU CLASSÉ ST EMILION - 6x75cl

Tasting Notes

• 

  Goedhuis, May 2007,
  Score: 93-95

  Its 2006 is plump and mouthfilling with rich chocolate, treacle, black cherry and raspberry flavours. Its superfine tannins seem to cover every niche of the palate with velvet and ripe fruit. Wonderfully consistent from the entry all the way to the long, fresh finish, and deceptively approachable. Wine Spectator was tempted to give it 95-100.

• 

  Neal Martin, May 2016,
  Score: 97

  Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London.The 2006 Château Cheval Blanc is a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc. It has the most floral bouquet of the four Serié A Grand Cru Classé: an explosion of crushed violets and potpourri, hints of leather and cigar box, the Cabernet Franc clearly lending this complexity and character. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. It feels wonderfully structured and comes with an insistent grip that coats the mouth. This is backward and almost surly, but you have to stand back and admire the precision and arching structure on the mineral-rich finish. Top-dog Saint Emilion? That's for sure. Tasted January 2016.

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  Robert Parker, February 2009,
  Score: 95

  The brilliant 2006 Cheval Blanc performed better from bottle than from barrel. A blend of equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot grown in a superb vineyard site facing La Conseillante and l'Evangile at the very edge of the sandy, gravelly soils of St.-Emilion, it boasts a denseruby/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of menthol, charcoal, boysenberries, black currants, and hints of cocoa and caramel. Lush, textured, and opulent with superb purity, medium to full body, savory flavors, and sweet, sexy tannins, this stunning Cheval Blanc may be even better than the 2005. Drink: 2012 - 2030

• 

  Robert Parker, May 2007,
  Score: 92-95

  Only 60% of the harvest was utilized in this marvelous blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc. As always, the 2006 Cheval Blanc is made in a lighter, more elegant style based on finesse, purity, and beautiful nuances. A deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by scents of crushed rocks, menthol, raspberries, cherries, and assorted blue as well as black fruits. An impeccable integration of new oak, medium body, terrific palate penetration and purity, and light tannins suggest it will be drinkable in 2-3 years, but it should put on considerable weight because of its large Cabernet Franc component. While the 2006 may not eclipse the 2005, 2000, or 1998, it is not far off in terms of quality and longevity. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028.

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  Jancis Robinson, May 2007,
  Score: 17++

  55% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc. Harvest 15-28 September. Average potential alcohol of the Merlot grapes was over 14%. Yields were 30% lower than usual, partly because the berries were very small after the heat from May to July and partly because selection in the vineyard was very strict. 62% of the harvest went into the grand vin.Very good depth of crimson though pretty weak rim. Reticent nose though obviously more concentrated than the Petit Cheval. Very subtle light whiff of bonfires. Good round supple fruit on the front palate but no great intensity. Tasted straight after Evangile next door it seemed a rather green puny little thing. Definitely not one of Cheval's most glorious vintages, decidedly inky.Mouthfilling though but no great depth. Some unripe green element underneath.

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Producer

Château Cheval Blanc

Several years ago, 10 of the world's top wine specialists were asked if they could own a wine estate, which one would it be. At least 5 of them said Château Cheval Blanc. Indeed, this château is like no other. Wonderfully silky and smooth yet powerful, Cheval Blanc is often approachable when young yet has the capacity to age for many years. Its unusually high proportion of Cabernet Franc (usually 50% or more) accompanied by Merlot has undoubtedly contributed to its allure.