Chateau Cheval Blanc 2014

WINE SPECTATOR: "This has dreamy aromas already, with notes of Lapsang souchong tea, smoldering cigar and cold charcoal wafting up from the core of dense yet supple currant, fig and blackberry preserves. A loamy edge thumps through the finish, giving this an addictive, head-bobbing bass line. Best from 2026 through 2040. 8,335 cases made."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Aromas of strawberries, flowers and rose petals. Medium to full body and such beautiful polish and finesse. The texture is remarkably silky. It’s a wine all in elegance and harmony. Such length. Try in 2022 but already a joy to taste."

FALSTAFF: "Frischfruchtig mit rasierklingenscharfer Aromatik: Rote und Weiße Johannisbeere, Johannisbeerblätter, Merlot-Blättertöne, florale Noten, dazu etwas Holz (Zimt, Sandelholz, gebrannte Mandel), Kakaobohne. Gute Fülle am Gaumen, weich eingebetteter mürber Gerbstoff in nicht zu tiefer Menge, homogen und rund in der Gaumenmitte, hat trotz der saftigen Anmutung viel Extrakt, ohne dass es beschwerlich oder angestrengt wirkt, ein finessen- und inhaltsreicher Cheval Blanc. 55 Prozent Merlot."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "With its high proportion of Cabernet Franc (45%), this is a finely perfumed rich wine. It has great tannins, a smoky character that comes from the wood. The tannins are quite marked, giving a tight firm edge to the wine that otherwise has generous fruitiness. This is a complex wine, impressive, and likely to age over many years. Drink from 2028."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Medium garnet colored, the 2014 Cheval Blanc is still looking very youthful and wearing a bit of puppy fat, sporting gregarious red and black cherries notes with hints of oolong tea, wilted roses and dusty soil. Medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and plenty of freshness supporting the lively fruit, it finishes on a lingering perfumed note."

DECANTER: "A truly elegant wine with beautiful aroma and flavour. Fine texture and tannins. Long, persistent finish. Lacks the density to be great, but still very fine."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Tasted blind. Real freshness here on the nose even if there is a slight lack of concentration. A hint of saltiness. Very appetising and rewarding without anything forced. Not that rich but very grown-up and sophisticated. Just about the first 2014 I was tempted to drink. "

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Truffle, herbs, mint, red fruits and tobacco are what you initially notice. In the mouth you find, silky fruits and sweet red berries that linger. It's fun to enjoy the fruits as they move from red fruits to spice, and then back again to red berries with more spice and freshness. You can drink this young, or age it for a decade for more complexity."

WEINWISSER: "Mittelkräftiges Rubin, leicht laktische Note, Tomatenstrauch, unruhig. Elegantzupackender Gaumen, adstringent, saftige Säure, im Mund dann wie aus einem Guss, mit grosser Eleganz und Samtigkeit. Erst 18/20, mit Luft deutlich besser und nuancierter werdend."

JEB DUNNUCK: "Supple, elegant, and seamless, the 2014 Chateau Cheval Blanc is about as classic as they come from this estate and shows the character of the vintage perfectly. Made from 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc brought up all in new barrels (although you’d never know that from tasting it), its still-youthful ruby/purple color is followed by a complex bouquet of sweet kirsch, black raspberries, violets, menthol, and flowery incense. With terrific sweetness of fruit, medium body, an ethereal texture, polished tannins, and a great finish, it’s going to hit prime time in another 2-4 years and, I suspect, surprise with its longevity."