Château Cheval Blanc
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Red Blend from Bordeaux, France
Bottle size:
750 ml
Shipping: R99 nationwide
Château Cheval Blanc
The present-day Cheval Blanc vineyards had vines at least as far back as the 18th century as shown by Belleyme's map of the region dated 1764. Nearly a century later the estate was acquired by the Fourcaud-Laussac family who owned it until 1998 when it was sold to Mr Bernard Arnault and Baron Albert Frère. The vineyard is in a single block and borders on the Pomerol appellation. An outstanding terror and unusual proportions of Cabernet Franc and Merlot give this great wine an absolutely unique flavor. Chateau Cheval Blanc has had a greater number of outstanding vintages than any other classified great growth over the past century. Another unusual characteristic of Cheval Blanc is that once it reaches its peak it maintains it for a very long time. This admirable wine is powerful soft rich round and silky. It has tremendous fruit and elegance as well as exceptional quality from year to year.
Description
This was a warm year, but one without any drought periods. Yields were relatively high and there was a great synergy between Merlot and Cabernet Franc that ended up producing an extremely pleasurable wine. The deep intense colour shows bricking in keeping with its age. The nose is concentrated with very ripe black fruit and crème de cassis aromas, as well as hints of chocolate, orange, violet, and liquorice. The oak is well-integrated with empyreumatic nuances of toasted almonds. Perfectly defined tertiary aromas have appeared over time: truffle, forest floor, and fruit in brandy. 1999 Cheval Blanc has remained very fresh. It starts out very flavoursome and velvety on the palate, with plenty of fruit and a hint of cedar. This smooth, silky Cheval Blanc has great length, although without the concentration of great vintages. This vintage has opened up quickly and is already proving to be charming and delicious. It provides a great deal of pleasure and has reached its peak. 1999 Cheval Blanc epitomises the synergy between concentrated, but well-balanced Merlot, and elegant, aromatic Cabernet Franc.
Food Pairing
Roasted Pork, Wild Game Hens, Lamb Gyros, Crispy Skin Trout with Pork Belly, Pâté.
