The producer
Known throughout the world, Château Cheval Blanc, a 1er Grand Cru Classé A, is one of the legendary properties located on the right bank of the Bordeaux wine region.
The vineyard
Château Cheval Blanc benefits from a unique and rare terroir and is uniquely positioned on the Saint-Emilion plateau. While the Saint-Emilion appellation is known for its limestone formations, Château Cheval Blanc is located on soil featuring alluvia from the Quaternary Period deposited by the Isle, a non-calcareous formation with a varied texture, combining almost equal proportions of gravel and clay soils. This peculiarity in the soil means that this property benefits from soils similar to those of the finest Pomerol wines.
The vintage
This vintage experienced many noticeable contrasts in climate. A harsh winter preceded a very mild spring which started from the month of April. While the cool weather in August favoured the crop development, September was marked by a period of very hot weather followed by the arrival of rainfall, saving the vineyard. The harvest took place from the 15th to the 28th of September. Despite these difficult conditions and low yields, extensively monitored vineyard and rigorously sorted vines and cellar lead to the production of an exceptional, intense and fruity vintage.
The blend
Merlot (54%)
Cabernet Franc (45%)
Cabernet Sauvignon (1%).
The tasting
Colour
The colour is an intense crushed blackberry colour.
Nose
Complex and powerful, the nose combines fruity (blackcurrant, raspberry, cherry) and floral (violet, rose petals) fragrances with light hints of tobacco.
Palate
A rich and ample attack gives way to a generous palate combining both bright fruit with fine and harmonious tannins until reaching a persistent and very delicate finish.
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.