Chateau Cheval Blanc 2018

Tasting Note Chateau Cheval Blanc 2018

Dark plum and black currant, followed by violet and pencil shavings, this is precisely the distinctive aroma that Cabernet Franc is well-known for. The heat of 2018 is reflected not so much in the fruit's richness as in its level of ripeness. The tannins are expansive yet smooth, with a subtle, tangy, iron-like nuance in the base; the acidity ensures a long finish without any sense of heaviness. This wine has not yet fully revealed its true potential. Allow it to breathe a bit, or let it age for a few years.

Grape Varieties

In the Chateau Cheval Blanc blend, Cabernet Franc is the primary component, which is the opposite composition of Saint-Emilion. Varietal composition:
Franc contributes aroma and structure, while Merlot enriches the mid-palate. The balance of the 2018 vintage however is different and has more merlot.

• Cabernet Franc, 40%
• Merlot, 54%
• Cabernet Sauvignon, 6%

Cellaring Potential

Best enjoyed between 2026 and 2050. Although the tannins in the 2018 vintage are maturing, they are still firm, so let the wine breathe in a decanter for about 1 to 2 hours and serve at a temperature of 16-18 °C.

About Chateau Cheval Blanc

Most of Saint-Emilion runs on Merlot. Château Cheval Blanc does not: Cabernet Franc makes up 55% of the plantings, with Merlot at 40% and a slice of Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate sits on the far edge of the commune, hard against Pomerol, where clay and gravel occur in roughly equal measure, which the owners put down to historical coincidence rather than design. Forty-two hectares, 56 plots, and a vine count kept to the last plant: 244,989. Each plot is farmed, picked and fermented on its own, in one of 67 concrete tanks built in 14 sizes from 12 to 113 hectolitres, and blending happens only at the very end. Since Saint-Emilion was first classified in 1954, Cheval Blanc has held Premier Grand Cru Classé A status. From the 2022 vintage the label carries only the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation. Ownership now rests with Bernard Arnault of LVMH and the Frère family.

Terroir & Climate

Although Chateau Cheval Blanc lies within the Saint-Emilion area, it is situated directly on the boundary with Pomerol. Clay, gravel, and sand are present in roughly equal proportions across its 42 hectares and 56 plots, a rarity for the Right Bank region. The clay-rich plots lend the tannins a velvety smoothness, while the gravel adds a rich, refreshing quality. A total of 55 plots covering 39.5 hectares are used for the production of Grand Vin.

Winemaking

Each plot is assigned its own dedicated storage tank. This is the very essence of this wine cellar, designed by Christian de Portzamparc and opened in 2011 at June: There are 67 concrete tanks in 14 different sizes, ranging from 12 to 113 hectoliters in capacity, ensuring that small plots do not have to share capacity with larger ones. Blending takes place at the very end of the process, after each lot has fully expressed its individual characteristics. At Chateau Cheval Blanc, there is absolutely no standardization of any kind during the initial stages.

Food Pairing

Characterized by refined tannins rather than raw power, this wine pairs better with lighter meat dishes than with heavy stews.

• Rabbit and mustard: Tender meat harmonizes with the wine's aroma
• Côte de boeuf: Simple grilled beef served with shallots
• Porcini risotto, The earthy notes bring out the dish's piquant flavor
• Roast duck breast, The fat rounds out the tannins