Description
Le Petit Cheval is the prestigious second red wine of Château Cheval Blanc in Saint‑Émilion, crafted from the same iconic terroir and grape varieties but from lots that don’t make it into the grand vin. First produced in 1988, it typically blends Merlot and Cabernet Franc to give a supple, elegant Bordeaux with the estate’s signature finesse and minerality, but in a more approachable, earlier‑drinking style that serves as a refined introduction to Cheval Blanc. The main guideline of the vinification at Cheval Blanc is based on a fresh ripening of the grapes, a pure parcel-by-parcel vinification, indigenous yeasts (selected on the estate), a gentle extraction, a long maceration, manual pumping over and a single delestage during 4 weeks of maceration. Malolactic fermentation takes place in vats, then the wine ages in barrels. Le Petit Cheval aged for 16 months in 100% new barrels.
Tasting Note :
Gorgeous intensity of aromas on the nose, blackcurrant, black cherry, cinnamon, all spice – exoticism as well as soft florality. Smooth on the palate, silky, satin-like tannins just coat the mouth so delicately but providing the structure and support for the fruit which is strawberry, red cherry and plum focused with high acidity giving brightens and vibrancy. This needs a little more time to soften and expand but there’s a lovely intensity and precision to this, I love the texture of the fruit and the cooling aspects that abound on the finish. It has a succulence and sense of joy showing the skill of winemaker Pierre-Olivier Clouet.
