"93-95 Neal Martin, Vinous
The 2024 Cheval Blanc was picked from September 18 until October 3 and aged entirely in new oak with a little dabbling in concrete tanks and amphorae. The purity on the nose is the first facet that you notice with perfumed black cherry, blackcurrant, wild strawberry and touches of potpourri and crushed stone. There is certainly some mineralité here. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly brittle tannins. Very well balanced, this is clearly a Cheval Blanc built in a more elegant, sapid, linear style with a residual pepperiness that lingers in the mouth. It will need just 2 or 3 years in bottle and should drink well for 20 to 25 years. The 2024 is charming and refined. 2029 - 2050"
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 terroir and unusual proportions of Cabernet Franc and Merlot give this great wine an absolutely unique flavour. Chateau 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. ©ugcb
