2018 Château Cheval Blanc 1er Grand Cru Classé Saint-Emilion

Together with Château Pétrus and Ausone, Château Cheval Blanc is one of the legends of the Right Bank. Always possesses enormous concentration, but at the same time finesse and freshness. This cru is owned by the Belgian Albert Frère and Bernard Arnault. It is Pierre Lurton (of the Dominique Lurton branch) who vinifies the wine there (just like in Château d'Yquem). This year vinified for the fifth time in the ultra-modern new chais designed by the architect Christian de Portzamparc. 50 specially shaped (tron-conical) concrete cuves are responsible for microvinification per plot. Concrete was chosen because it has good thermal insulation and a tron-conical shape because it allows a gentler extraction of the berries for better fermentation. Everything is also vinified with the principle of gravity (so the wine or berries are no longer pumped up). A gigantic investment in the service of quality!

Thirty-three lots contributed to the 2018 Cheval Blanc, out of 43 in production. Five went to Petit Cheval and five to Bulk. The 2018 Cheval Blanc is a blend of 54% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, with a pH of 3.75 and an alcohol content of 14.5%. In the glass the wine is very dark purple with violet hues. In the nose very complex notes of fruit, flowers (lilac and violet), spices and freshness. Memorable concentrate of invigorating red fruit, unctuous finesse and graceful freshness. As always in a pure, refined and particularly nuanced style. With loads of kirsch, raspberry, blueberry reduction and impeccably integrated oak. After a powerful attack that is rich and full, follows a very full-bodied, pure and delicate middle taste with fine tannins that are very precise and elegant. The volume and oiliness continue into the non-ending finale. 98-99/100 Parker and 98-99/100 Suckling