Chateau Cheval Blanc - Le Petit Cheval 2021

WEINWISSER: "Der Le Petit Cheval hat eine superdichte und extrem viskose Farbe. Bei 60 % Merlot und 7 % Cabernet Franc gibt sich der Cabernet Sauvignon mit 33 % wie der Wolf im Schafspelz. Sattes Kernaroma, tolle, intensive Konzentration, enorm verdichtet und undurchdringlich im Geruch. Geradlinig, enorm stoffig und lang strukturiert sind seine Gerbstoffe superfeinkörnig und besitzen den Durchzug eines großen Cheval Blanc. Der Cabernet-Strang macht ihn enorm lang und druckvoll, alles ist cremig in der Textur und klar am Gaumen, keinerlei Delle in der Mitte, wie man es bei einem Zweitwein erwarten würde. Toller Le Petit Cheval, wird ewig frisch bleiben, enorm energiereich."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Elegant, silky, refined, vibrant, and almost crisp, this mini Cheval Blanc is already simply gorgeous with its bouquet of flowers, cigar box, mint, cherries, plums, and spice. The wine blends its silky-refined textures with freshness, lift, and purity in its energetic, red berry-packed finish. The wine blends 60% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc. The high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend defines the wine. You can enjoy this on release and for at least the next 15 years. Drink from 2024-2040."

DECANTER: "Cool and toasted aromas on the nose, liquorice, tobacco, purple flowers and cherries. Smooth and well rounded, high in acidity which gives the initial lift before the salty minerality comes in giving a slight wet stone / chalky texture in the mouth. It’s really quite fruity and lifted but with a serious core, straight and well defined. Not heavy at all. A nice second wine. Detailed and feels very polished. Needs more time to expand as it’s still a little tight."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "As readers may remember, this cuvée simply represents everything that doesn't synergize with Cheval Blanc's blend, so the 2021 Le Petit Cheval is composed of some 60% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, amounting to fully half the surface planted to Cabernet Sauvignon at Cheval Blanc. Offering up aromas of dark berries, mulberries and mint framed by creamy new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and polished, concluding with a long, delicately vanillin-inflected finish. Its composition means that it will reward a bit of patience."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "Only 12,000 bottles were made of Le Petit Cheval 2021. It is a blend of 60 % Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Cabernet Franc and it has a deep garnet-purple color. It offers up expressive notes of black pepper, dusty soil, and garrigue, leading to a core of red and black plums, redcurrant preserves, and tobacco leaf. The medium-bodied palate is refreshing and delicately styled, with bright red berry layers and a slight chewiness to the texture, finishing with a peppery lift."