Le Petit Cheval 2008
- Vintage
- 2008
- Country
- France
- Region
- Bordeaux,St Emilion
- Size
- 750ml
- Rating
- WA90,WE90
- Grape
- Bordeaux Blend
This wine corresponds perfectly to the style of a second wine: classic, balanced, and very tasty. The colour is a deep, attractive ruby-red. The nose is bursting with red fruit aromas. The wine starts out quite rich on the palate, going on to show great balance, freshness, and minerality. The tannic texture is very fine and there is a beautiful long aftertaste. This second wine is enjoyable to drink as of now, but still has a long way to go. - Winemaker's Note
Ripe, smoky, perfumed Cabernet Franc fruit with sweet, dusty tannins creates spice and a sweet chocolate character, followed by a finish that brings out acidity as well. - WE90
The 2008 Le Petit Cheval (65% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot) is a light, but not a wimpy wine. It is more cedary and evolved, with spice box, tobacco leaf, licorice, and red and black fruits in a medium-bodied, classic style that should drink nicely for 10-12 years. - WA90
The present-day Cheval Blanc vineyards had vines at least as far back as the 18th century, as shown by Belleyme's map of the region dated 1764. Nearly a century later, the estate was acquired by the Fourcaud-Laussac family who owned it until 1998, when it was sold to Mr Bernard Arnault and Baron Albert Frère.
The vineyard is in a single block, and borders on the Pomerol appellation. An outstanding terror and unusual proportions of Cabernet Franc and Merlot give this great wine an absolutely unique flavor. Château Cheval Blanc has had a greater number of outstanding vintages than any other classified great growth over the past century.
Another unusual characteristic of Cheval Blanc is that once it reaches its peak, it maintains it for a very long time. This admirable wine is powerful, soft, rich, round and silky. It has tremendous fruit and elegance as well as exceptional quality from year to year.