St. Émilion

Roasted Pork, Wild Game Hens, Lamb Gyros, Crispy Skin Trout with Pork Belly, Pâté.

Several phenomena had a major influence on the 2002 growth cycle. Although bud break was early (24th of March for Merlot and the 28th of that month for Cabernet Franc), flowering took place during the first week of June. This had been disturbed by cool, wet weather in late May and early June that caused coulure and millerandage, especially in Merlot. This obviously has an effect on the size of the crop, and explains the very low yields: just 23 hectolitres per hectare. Mid-flowering was also slightly delayed. This took place on the 9th of August for Merlot and one day later for Cabernet Franc. The cool, wet weather in August raised fears about quality. Fortunately, however, dry weather returned in September and saved the day. The harvest was a little later than usual due to the cool temperatures. It lasted from the 20th of September to the 8th of October.

When fermentation is finished, in late autumn, the wine spends a further sixteen to eighteen months in long rows of barrels in a vast underground cellar with subdued lighting at a constant temperature of 14°C. Every vintage is aged in oak: between 300 and 450 barrels.

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.