Chateau Cheval Blanc - Saint-Emilion red Grand Cru 2015

Wine Region: Bordeaux - France

Grapes: Merlot 40%, Cabernet Franc 60%

Tasting notes: Hints of blueberry confiture, exhibiting a velvety, opulent texture as well as sweet tannin.

Expert rating

100 points Wine Advocate

' As many readers may know, 2015 was the first year since 1988 that Cheval Blanc did not produce its second wine, Petit Cheval. This said, parts of two of the Cheval Blanc blocks were not used at all—Plot 17A and the north part of Plot 10—which had problems with water availability during the dry spell, and the fruit was sold for bulk. Therefore, this vintage of the Grand Vin equates to roughly 90% of the total production, making it one of the most complete expressions of Cheval Blanc ever produced. Composed of 53% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cheval Blanc slowly opens up to reveal plum preserves, black forest cake, blackberry pie and pronounced licorice notes with suggestions of cloves, cinnamon stick, star anise, dried Provence herbs and lavender plus wafts of iron ore and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, rich and densely packed with incredible layers of black, red and blue fruits, it completely fills the palate with energy and expression, framed by very ripe, wonderfully velvety tannins and a racy line of acid, finishing with incredible length and poise. At once achingly graceful and captivatingly cerebral, this is a legendary vintage for this great estate. (LPB)'

100 points Wine Enthusiast

'Made with 45% Cabernet Franc, this great wine offers a beautiful, rich and perfumed character. This is an exceptional vintage for this estate which incorporated into the blend fruit from parcels of the vineyard that would normally go into the second wine. It is packed with black-fruit flavors and broad tannins, with a background of juicy acidity and a firm structure. Drink from 2027. *Cellar Selection* (RV) '

99 points James Suckling

'Phenomenal aromas of cherries, flowers, blackberries and sandalwood. Pure fruit. Full-bodied, dense and polished with incredible tannin quality like the finest, densest silk ball. In perfect proportions. Compact. Seamless and endless. Gorgeous to taste now but give it six or seven years to understand it better. '

99 points Vinous

'Totally seamless in the glass, with no beginning and no end, the 2015 Cheval Blanc is simply extraordinary. It's hard to describe the 2015, because all of its elements are so perfectly in place. Beautifully delineated aromatics make a strong opening statement. Vibrant and wonderfully nuanced on the palate, the wine exudes energy and vitality through to the persistent, silky finish. Many other 2015s speak with more assertiveness and volume, but Cheval Blanc is more understsated. In 2015, Cheval Blanc created quite a stir in announcing that a whopping 91% of their crop would be bottled as Grand Vin. There will be no Petit Cheval, while the rest of the wine was sold internally. (AG)' (2/2018)

98 points Decanter

'My Right Bank wine of the vintage and close to perfection. 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc, representing 90.5% of this year’s production (no Petit Cheval this year). Exudes elegance, class and precision. Dense, fresh, perfumed nose and the most velvety of textures. Remarkable quality of tannin allows a gentle attack then prodigious length and persistence. Nothing out of place. (JM)'

About the winery:

Situated on the edge of the Pomerol appellation, Château Cheval Blanc has been in the commune of Saint-Emilion for two centuries. It was established in the middle of the 19th century and since then, for over 150 years it has been run by only two families, joined by marriage. Since those origins so long ago and up to the present day, ownership passed hands only once Bernard Arnault and Baron Albert Frère purchased this prestigious estate in 1998.

The 39 hectares of vineyards are a generous inheritance with their three soil types composed of clay, gravel and sandy clay which, together, form a rich mosaic. Added to this natural resource are the unique plantings of grape varieties which are very unusual for the Right Bank : Cabernet Franc (55%), Merlot (40%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%).

 Designated a Premier Grand Cru Classé « A » right from the start of the 1954 Saint-Emilion classification, it has become one of the most identifiable wines in the world; its charm, alchemy and elegance incarnate the refinement and unparalleled quality of French culture. Unaffected by fashions and trends, this exceptional wine continues in its quest for quality and precision.