2021 Château Cheval Blanc Le Petit Cheval Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Magnum

Winery Château Cheval Blanc

Château Cheval Blanc is among the very best wines in Saint-Émilion and is known worldwide for its unique terroir and distinctive style. The estate boasts an exceptional mosaic of gravel, clay, and sand, which lends nuance and complexity to the wines. Le Petit Cheval is the château's second wine and reflects the same philosophy as the Grand Vin, with the same care in the vineyard and cellar, but in a more accessible and slightly easier-to-drink form.

More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Saint-Émilion and the character of the 2021 vintage

Saint-Émilion, located on Bordeaux's Right Bank, is known for its elegant and aromatic wines. The 2021 vintage experienced a cool and demanding growing season, with high disease pressure in the spring and a temperate summer. Producers who worked diligently in the vineyards harvested grapes with fresh acidity, moderate alcohol, and classic balance.

At Château Cheval Blanc, 2021 produced wines with clarity, tension, and precision. Le Petit Cheval clearly demonstrates this style, with a combination of freshness, structure, and refinement.

Vineyards and selection for Le Petit Cheval

Le Petit Cheval is blended from plots not included in the Grand Vin. These are not of lower quality, but rather plots and lots that stylistically better suit Le Petit Cheval's expression. In 2021, Cabernet Sauvignon played a notable role, originating from a significant portion of the estate's Cabernet plots.

The selection is strict and plot-based, with each vineyard assessed individually. This results in a wine with a clear expression of origin and a unique identity within the Château Cheval Blanc range.

Grape varieties and composition

The 2021 Château Cheval Blanc Le Petit Cheval is blended from approximately 60% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Cabernet Franc. This blend is unique because Cabernet Sauvignon has a higher percentage than is typical for a Saint-Émilion.

Merlot provides roundness and juicy fruit, while Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure, freshness, and a pronounced tannin profile. Cabernet Franc brings aromatic tension and refinement to the blend.

Harvest and vinification

The harvest took place under relatively cool conditions, which contributed to preserving aromatic freshness. After rigorous selection, the grapes were vinified plot by plot, a method that has been central to Château Cheval Blanc since the opening of the new cellar.

Fermentation was carefully managed to achieve a gentle yet complete extraction. The wine then matured for approximately eighteen months in previously used oak barrels. By using barrels without new toast, the fruit remains bright and the wood is subtly integrated.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine displays a bright ruby red color. The nose is expressive and layered, with aromas of dark cherry, plum, and mulberry, complemented by mint, graphite, and a light smoky note. Subtle hints of cocoa, licorice, and spices add depth.

On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a soft and polished texture. The fruit is juicy and concentrated, supported by refined, silky tannins. The finish is long and elegant, with a light touch of vanilla and a fresh, tense finish.

Structure, style and storage potential

The 2021 Le Petit Cheval combines approachability with serious structure. The striking presence of Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine extra grip and length, clearly benefiting from several years of bottle aging.

Within its drinking window, the wine will gain complexity and become more harmonious. This is a Le Petit Cheval that not only has charm in its youth but also convinces in the medium to long term.

This is a 1.5 litre magnum – even tastier, more festive and with a longer drinking window.

Summary of professional reviews

William Kelley rates the 2021 Le Petit Cheval 91 points, noting its Cabernet-driven character, polished texture, and aging potential. Antonio Galloni awards 94 points, praising its balance, finesse, and silky structure, with a tannin structure unique to Saint-Émilion. The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.

Would you like to order Château Cheval Blanc wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

Roast veal with a light jus complements the refined tannins and elegant structure.

Duck breast with roasted beetroot and a mild sauce goes well with the juicy fruit and freshness.

Beef fillet with mushrooms and thyme combines beautifully with the depth and spicy notes.

Lamb chop with rosemary fits the balance between fruit and structure.

Mushroom and Parmesan risotto works well with its soft texture and earthy notes.

Semi-hard cheeses such as young Comté or Tomme de Savoie enhance the length and finesse of the wine.