Château Cheval Blanc 2016
Made In: France—Bordeaux
Product Type: Red Wine
Bottle Size: 750mL
Alcohol/Vol: 13%
Sugar Content: 2G/L
Sweetness Descriptor: XD
VINTAGES#: 0532408
Program Type: Bordeaux Futures
The 2016 Cheval Blanc is a blend of 59% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Franc and (the return of) 3% Cabernet Sauvignon from the gravel soils since in this vintage the vines showed absolutely no stress. It delivers 14.25% alcohol with an IPT of 75 and a pH 3.67, which Pierre Lurton told me is a little lower than normal. As usual, it is matured in 100% new oak. It has a very pure, correct and quite penetrating bouquet with black cherries, blackcurrant, graphite and a touch of wild mint. It is bashful at first but opens with confidence with aeration (incidentally, I allowed my sample 40 minutes to open). The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin and a killer line of acidity that imparts so much freshness from the starting gun. That soupçon on Cabernet Sauvignon does make a difference, lending a subtle vein of graphite that runs throughout the wine. It remains linear, with laser-like focus towards the extraordinarily persistent finish, pencil lead on the 'HB' aftertaste. This is a classic and intellectual Cheval Blanc, not as charming perhaps as the 2015 Cheval Blanc, but it will unquestionably age gracefully over decades not years. Drink Date: 2024-2060. Score - 97-99. (Neal Martin, robertparker.com)
Prices subject to change without notice. Prices include container deposit fees where applicable. % Alcohol/Volume subject to change without notice.