2023 Château Cheval Blanc Le Petit Cheval Blanc

the story and location of Le Petit Cheval Blanc

Le Petit Cheval Blanc is the white wine of Château Cheval Blanc, produced on a mosaic of cool, perfectly drained plots surrounding the estate. Here, clay, sand, and gravel form an ideal base for white grapes that retain tension and depth. The winemaking team works with great attention to biodiversity and detail in the vineyard, ensuring the fruit ripens without sacrificing freshness. The result is a white Bordeaux that relies not on exuberant primary aromas, but on precision, texture, and mineral layering.

vintage 2023 in Saint-Émilion

The 2023 vintage experienced no extreme weather conditions. Rainfall was well-distributed throughout the year, with a beneficial peak in August that boosted ripening. Rising average temperatures confirmed the recent trend toward an early harvest. Harvesting took place concentrated from August 23rd to 29th, right during the late August heat. Light defoliation was carried out on the eastern side of the vineyard, which resulted in more even ripening and tempered the so-called thiol notes. Thus, florality, fruit purity, and a distinct minerality remain at the heart of the style.

grape variety, yield and blend

The 2023 blend consists of 73% Sauvignon Blanc and 27% Sémillon. The Sauvignon Blanc provides structure, chalky tension, and citrus-driven precision. The Sémillon adds texture, depth, and a velvety nuance to the mid-palate. The yield was 52 hectoliters per hectare. The alcohol content is 13.5%. A total of 34,141 bottles and 813 magnums were bottled.

vinification, maturation and bottling

After a gentle, whole-bunch pressing, the musts fermented lightly pre-clarified in a mix of barrels and vats that allow for perfectly controlled extraction and cool fermentation: 600-liter demi-muids, 15 hL foudres, and wooden vats of 15, 20, 25, and 30 hL. Batonnage begins frequently and is gradually reduced based on taste. Maturation lasts 18 months. In May, the wines are racked off for harmonization, stabilization, and clarification. The 2023 vintage was bottled on May 27, 2025. This results in a wine with tension and a pleasant flow, without any noticeable woody imprint.

color, smell and taste profile

Pale green gold in the glass. The nose is crystal clear and layered with lemon, grapefruit, and orange peel, complemented by white peach and cool floral notes of elderflower and acacia. Chalk, fennel, chamomile, and a light, nutty undertone emerge in the background. The palate reveals a straight, salty-mineral line. The texture is juicy and taut, with crisp acidity that carries the fruit and a velvety core that adds length. The finish is long, precise, and slightly spicy, with a saline note that invites another sip.

The 2023 vintage was praised for its focus and complexity. Tasters highlighted the clean citrus, white peach, and a remarkably broad flavor spread on the palate. The wine displays a rare combination of grip, nerve, and a subtle, creamy roundness in the middle. The result is a cuvée that clearly stands out among Bordeaux Blancs, with a personality that becomes more defined year after year. This precision was demonstrated particularly convincingly in the 2023 vintage, resulting in exceptionally high ratings. Ratings: 17/20 Jancis Robinson, 97 Decanter, 96 Jane Anson

serving and storage advice

Serve at 10 to 12°C in large white wine glasses. Even when young, the wine is brilliant with its tension and length, but it truly shines after two to three years of bottle aging. Expect a drinking window well into the next ten years, with Sémillon adding depth and waxy complexity, and Sauvignon maintaining a taut line.

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 these 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, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

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wine and food pairings

• Sea bass with citrus and fennel – the saltiness and citrus aromas complement the wine's clean, mineral finish.
• Lobster with beurre blanc – the delicate creaminess of sémillon lifts the sauce, while the acidity keeps everything in balance.
• Veal oyster with herby lemon jus – the precision and length give relief to the tender meat and the fresh jus.
• Green asparagus risotto – the creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the crisp acidity and stone fruit.
• Sushi and sashimi – the pure, salty-mineral notes enhance the delicate textures of fish and rice.
• Young goat's cheese with herbs – the citrus and spiciness complement the lively, dry finish perfectly.