Château Cheval Blanc 2019 is the grand vin from this Saint-Émilion estate; it is a red Bordeaux based on Cabernet Franc rather than Merlot, the variety that dominates this appellation. The 2019 growing season in the Bordeaux region began with a prolonged heatwave and drought but ended with rain; however, the summer remained long and dry, and just the right amount of rain fell during harvest time. In Saint-Émilion, the clay-limestone soils and plateau sites withstood the drought better than the sandy plains. This is reflected in the wine, which is concentrated and deep in color, with more tannin than usual and a slightly greater sense of freshness compared to the 2018 vintage.
At Cheval Blanc, grapes from each plot are placed in separate fermentation tanks and fermented individually, so blending does not take place until the very last stage. In a year like 2019, when ripeness varied depending on soil type, this plot-by-plot approach is far more important than in easier vintages.
The 2019 vintage is considered one of Bordeaux's outstanding recent vintages, alongside 2015, 2016, and 2018. Saint-Émilion, in particular, has consistently delivered excellent results. This wine is best suited for long-term aging rather than for drinking on a weeknight.
It is best enjoyed between 2027 and 2055.
Robert Parker (100)
One of the unequivocally great wines of the vintage is the 2019 Cheval Blanc, a stunning young Saint-Émilion that wafts from the glass with aromas of wild berries and plums mingled with notions of lilac, pipe tobacco, violets, raw cocoa, licorice, crushed mint and burning embers. Full-bodied, layered and enveloping, it's deep and intense, with beautifully rich, powdery tannins and vibrant flavors. Concluding with a long, saline finish, this rivals the 2016 as the finest Cheval Blanc of the decade, and in many respects it might be thought of as the latter vintage's sun-kissed cousin. Bravo to Pierre-Olivier Clouet and his team!
James Suckling (100)
Blackcurrants, cassis, graphite and earth on the nose, then changing to roses, violets and berries. Full-bodied with incredible energy of fine tannins and lively acidity. It grows on the palate and escalates to the summit of perfect wine. Very powerful at the end. Holding back and a great finish. Quantity and quality. Menthol. Cool. One of the greatest young Cheval Blancs I have ever tasted. 58% merlot, 34% cabernet franc and 8% cabernet sauvignon. Great finish.
Jancis Robinson (18.5)
Tasted blind. Peppery, interesting nose with a light suggestion of (attractive) herbaceousness. Really fills the mouth with ripe, gorgeous fruit. Goes its own way. Luscious but structured too. Very long. Jancis Robinson
BOW (10-)
Jane Anson (98)
An enticing touch of cigar box straight on the first nose. The precision of this wine is striking, with a flexed, stretched out core supported by tannins that are creamy but precise, Depth, power and elasticity, driven through with black chocolate, slate, campfire smoke, liquorice root, bilberry and blackberry puree. There are inky depths here. 82.5% of overall production in the main estate wine this year. Bottled July 2021, 100% new oak, 82% 1st wine in this vintage, with a little less Cabernet Franc than usual due to replanting in the vineyard.
