2016 Chateau Cheval Blanc Bordeaux 1er Grand Cru Classe "A"
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Cheval Blanc has a beguiling bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, cedar, a touch of iron rust and black truffle scents that gain vigour with aeration. Stunning delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine tannins, very pliant and exerting a gentle grip. Sleek and focused, it gains depth towards the finish, with a dash of black pepper that just won’t disappear on the aftertaste. Heavenly. Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s 10 Year On tasting in London.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Wine Enthusiast
More reviews and scores
The nose is subdued, showing tar, dark olives and tobacco. Medium- to full-bodied with intensity, energy and linear, polished tannins. The palate is nuanced and delicate, with flavors of dark fruit and dark chocolate. It has length and remarkable elegance. The tannins have integrated. Drink or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.
Still pretty restrained at this 10 year point, a reminder that 2016 even in St Emilion was old school in character and architecture, and here you get a fully sculpted Cheval Blanc. No question of its exceptional quality, delivering waves of cumin, incense, baking spice, iris, damson, raspberry leaf, with crayon and pumice stone texture drawing out taste and sapidity, and offering a mouthwatering finish. Extremely classy. 100% new oak for ageing.
Smoke, cedar, plum and blackberry. Firmer tannins than the 2018, but with a floury texture that is temptingly close to drinkability now. Lovely acidic tension. Definitely has the lightness of touch of St-Émilion, with elegance as the watchword. (RH)