1979 Château Cheval Blanc
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Tasting notes
My third bottle of 1979 Cheval Blanc confirms a rather run-of-the-mill Saint-Émilion. It’s now showing wide bricking on the rim, and the nose feels a little enervated and leathery, suggesting that the Cabernet did not achieve complete ripeness. The palate is medium-bodied with rustic tannin, and slightly harsh in the mouth, with an attenuated finish. Drink bottles sooner rather than later.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
My third bottle of 1979 Cheval Blanc confirms a rather run-of-the-mill Saint-Émilion. It’s now showing wide bricking on the rim, and the nose feels a little enervated and leathery, suggesting that the Cabernet did not achieve complete ripeness. The palate is medium-bodied with rustic tannin, and slightly harsh in the mouth, with an attenuated finish. Drink bottles sooner rather than later.
A healthy dark garnet color is followed by a rather lean, one-dimensional Cheval Blanc with notes of red and black fruits, mineral, and earth, but compactly built and monolithic. It will age nicely for another 10-12 years, but there is not a whole lot of positive evolution to be expected. Drink up. Last tasted, 12/02.
At one time elegant, lightweight, and pleasant, the 1979 Cheval Blanc continues to develop in an unexciting fashion. The color is light ruby with a watery edge. The nose offers minty, mineral, earthy, herbaceous aromas backed by some berry and coffee-scented fruit. Light and lacking substance, with a short, angular finish, this wine was more enjoyable several years ago. Drink it up. Last tasted, 5/93. Aug 1993, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Ch. Cheval Blanc is one the finest producers in Bordeaux. The Saint-Emilion estate’s Cabernet Franc-dominant wines are consistently among the top wines of the vintage.