Chateau Cheval Blanc 2010

Tasting Notes

When you open the bottle, you are greeted by classic Cheval Blanc aromas. Cassis and graphite from Cabernet Franc, and a plump roundness of dark fruit from Merlot. But there's more to it than that - a mineral precision that speaks to the growing conditions of the 2010 vintage. The palate shows impressive structure without being heavy-handed. Fine-grained tannins lend structure while maintaining the elegance that characterizes this estate. The finish is long, with notes of cedar and dark chocolate. At 15 years of age, this wine is just beginning to reach its potential. We recommend another five years of aging for full maturity, but for those who can't wait, this is a wine that can be enjoyed now.

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 between 2028 and 2045. The firm tannin structure and balanced acidity of the 2010 allows this vintage to be enjoyed for decades Store in the dark at 55-60°F. With time, the fruitiness becomes more complex and the mineral nuances more pronounced. This is truly a wine that will reward the patient collector.

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.