Chateau Cheval Blanc 2013

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Smoky aromas and layers of tannin and fruit give this wine great complexity. It is smooth, juicy and fresh while also having perfumed tannins and an elegant, lightly mineral structure from the Cabernet Franc. The wine's cherries and red berries are still encased in the structure, allowing it to develop slowly. Drink from 2024."

JAMES SUCKLING: "This is has a very beautiful structure and length for a 2013. Full to medium body, ultra fine tannins and a long and lively finish. Impressive. Racy and refined. Tight still. Better in 2018 but pretty now."

WEINWISSER: "52 % Cabernet Franc, 48 % Merlot. Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Verhaltenes Bouquet, man muss ihm entgegengehen, im zweiten Ansatz viele herrliche Teearomen versprühend (Darjeeling und Earl Grey), Maulbeeren, Brombeeren, dunkle Edelhölzer, eine feinminzige Spitze darin zeigend. Im Gaumen samtig, weich, schöne Fülle, die Tannine sind fein und cremig, schön gebündelt im langen Finale, welches Pflaumenschalen und Tabak mit sich trägt. Für einen ganz grossen Cheval fehlt halt, wie es anzunehmen war, die Merlotfülle, aber die wunderbar gelungenen Cabernet Francs kompensieren einen grossen Teil dieses möglichen Mankos. Nicht unähnlich dem 2008er Cheval. Und dieser liegt aktuell bei 19/20. Also könnte dies in ein paar Jahren beim Cheval 2013 auch der Fall sein."

WINESPECTATOR: "Restrained at first, with a subtle tobacco leaf hint, this expands steadily and forcefully in the glass, revealing layers of warmed fig, macerated black currant and blackberry coulis fruit woven with notes of ganache, warm gravel and freshly brewed black tea. There's power in reserve, but this remains elegant overall. A great effort. Best from 2018 through 2028. 1,367 cases made."

WINEADVOCATE: "Medium garnet colored, the 2013 Cheval Blanc has a captivating, open-knit nose of roses and lilacs over a core of fragrant soil, charcuterie, kirsch and raspberry preserves plus a waft of stewed plums. Medium-bodied, chewy and with tons of spring to its step, the palate is delicately fruited with an earthy finish."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, breitere Randaufhellung, ein Hauch von Preiselbeeren, zart nach Gewürzen, Orangenzesten, noch zurückhaltend. Eleganter Körper, feine Extraktsüße, feine, gut integrierte Tannine, süße, seidige Textur, gute Länge, charmanter Stil, etwas Nougat im Nachhall, verfügt über Nachhall und einiges Potenzial."

ANTONIO GALLONI: "(53% cabernet franc and 47% merlot): Luminous ruby color. Captivating aromas of strawberry, raspberry, minerals, violet and graphite: very cab franc! The palate offers an uncanny combination of sweetness and penetrating power, with brisk acidity framing and lifting the fine-grained flavors of blackcurrant, spearmint and aromatic spices. The very long, slowly mounting finish conveys an impression of energy and great finesse, and the firm tannic spine suggests that this will age better than most 2013s. This reminded me of the 1993 Cheval Blanc, but it has a little more meat and depth than that wine, not to mention greater precision. Lurton suggested it is more like the 1988."

WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Light, fresh, bright, elegant, soft, forward and user friendly style of wine with sweet, cherries, licorice, flowers and plums in its core that carry though to the fresh, red berry, polished, soft textured, finish."

DUNNUCK: "On its own, the 2013 Cheval Blanc could easily be the wine of an evening, but on this occasion it is was paired with the likes of the 2010, 2009, 2000, and 1990. Nevertheless, it’s a true Cheval Blanc and offers beautiful notes of red and black fruits, leafy herbs, spice, and cedarwood. Seamless, medium-bodied, and elegant on the palate, with ripe and integrated tannins, it’s going to continue drinking nicely for another 10-15 years."