Petit Cheval 2018 ex-ch 750ml

Wine Advocate #April 2019 Week 4, Apr 24, 2019 by Lisa Perotti-Brown
“This year, this is truly a baby Cheval, right in line with the grand vin,” commented Technical Director Pierre-Olivier Couet. Ten percent of the total production this year went into this second label of Cheval Blanc. Composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Le Petit Cheval needs a lot of coaxing to encourage subtle nuances of crushed rocks, fallen leaves, potpourri and fertile loam to emerge before giving way to fragrant notes of warm blueberries, black raspberries, kirsch and unsmoked cigars with a touch of Marmite toast. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers layers of fresh, crunchy black fruits and loads of earthy sparks, framed by soft, velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long.

Chateau Le Petit Cheval is the second wine of the legendary First Growth (Premier Grand Cru Class) Chaeau Cheval Blanc (Castle of the White Horse). Cheval Blanc lies in the farthest corner of Saint Emilion bordering Pomerol. Chaeau Cheval Blanc came into being when land and vines were acquired from its neighbour Chateau Figeac by the Fourcaud Laussac family in 1832. Today Cheval Blanc is owned by Bernard Arnault (chairman of LVMH) and Albert Frure (also owners of Chateau d'Yquem) with Pierre Lurton as estate manager.
The 100 acre vineyard of Chateau Cheval Blanc is unusual in that it borders the stony plateau of Pomerol and takes on some of those qualities, it spans the gravel ridge which travels across to Chateau Figeac and also covers terroir typical of Saint Emilion. The grapes grown are also unusual as they are not the atypical Saint Emilion Merlot dominated vines. They are 57% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot and small parcels of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Meats, Beef and Venison