Chateau Cheval Blanc 2005

Tasting Notes

As soon as you raise your glass, you immediately notice the unique terroir charm of Cheval Blanc. The nose opens with dark cherries and cassis, but there are more notes of graphite minerality and violets that speak to the influence of Cabernet Franc. On the palate, this wine is surprisingly dense but not heavy. The tannins are firm but refined, and the long finish reveals layers of tobacco and cedar. Best of Wines believes this wine is ready to drink now, but will need patience for another decade or more.

Grape Varieties

What makes Château Cheval Blanc unusual on the Right Bank is the high percentage of Cabernet Franc. The blend usually includes

• 57% Cabernet Franc
• 40% Merlot
• 3% Cabernet Sauvignon

But why use so much Cabernet Franc when most Saint-Emilion farmers rely on Merlot? The answer lies in Cheval Blanc's unique gravelly sandy soils, which are well-drained enough to ensure that the Cabernet Franc ripens reliably. The high percentage of Cabernet Franc gives the wine a complexity and structure not found in pure Merlot. This is one of the most characteristic approaches to blending in Bordeaux.

Cellaring Potential

Best drunk between now and 2040, it will probably last longer than that period. The backbone of this wine is due to the 18 months of aging in French oak and the natural structure of the Cabernet Franc, which ages beautifully. Store at 55 degrees if possible. Over the next 10 years, expect the wine to retain its characteristic Cheval Blanc elegance, while the fruit will further integrate with the oak and secondary notes such as leather and forest floor will emerge.

The Producer

Bernard Arnault and Baron Albert Frère have owned this 37-hectare estate since 1998 and have transformed it with a futuristic cellar completed in 2011. But the real story began in 1832, when Jean-Jacques Ducasse harvested the main vineyard. Today, Technical Director Pierre-Olivier Clouet manages the vines, which average more than 45 years old in the unique gravel and sand soils. Best of Wines has seen the estate consistently produce wines with extraordinary aging potential. This is why we believe Cheval Blanc is a must-have for serious Bordeaux collectors.

Terroir & Vineyard

Cheval Blanc is situated on exceptional terroir for a Saint-Emilion. Rather than the limestone plateau that most right bank estates call home, it is the gravelly sandy soil typical of Pomerol. This well-drained soil structure is the reason why Cabernet Franc thrives here while it struggles elsewhere in the appellation. 8,000 vines per hectare planted at a density that avoids root competition and concentrates flavors. In addition, mature vines, 45 years old or more, dig deep into the soil in search of nutrients and water. The result is a powerful, weightless, refined tannin structure.

Winemaking

Cheval Blanc is aged for 15-18 months in French oak barrels, usually 50-80% new, depending on the strength of the vintage. Both stainless steel and concrete tanks are used to allow the grapes from different sites to develop their individual traits before blending. Gravel and sand soils drain quickly, allowing flavors to naturally concentrate. This means less intervention is required in the cellar. The average age of the vines is 45 years, giving the wine a complexity that younger vines lack.

Food Pairing

This structure calls for richness. The combination of duck breast and cherry sauce is perfect: the fat softens the tannins and the fruitiness echoes the dark berry notes of the wine itself. However, game such as guinea fowl and pheasant should not be overlooked. The earthy minerality of the wine enhances the complexity of the meat. Mature Comté or aged Roquefort would go well with cheese. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness and the depth matches the strength of the cheese; decant within an hour and serve at 16-18°C.