Château Cheval Blanc 2001
Review of the Estate
Château Cheval Blanc (French for "White Horse Castle"), is a wine producer in Saint-Émilion in the Bordeaux wine region of France. As of 2012, its wine is one of only four to receive the highest rank of Premier Grand Cru Classè (A) status in the Classification of Saint-Émilion wine, along with Château Angèlus, Château Ausone, and Château Pavie.
The estate's second wine is named Le Petit Cheval.
In 1832, Château Figeac sold 15 hectares/37 acres to M. Laussac-Fourcaud, including part of the narrow gravel ridge that runs through Figeac and neighbouring vineyards and reaches Château Pètrus just over the border in Pomerol. This became Château Cheval Blanc which, in the International London and Paris Exhibitions in 1862 and 1867, won medals still prominent on its labels. The château remained in the family until 1998, when it was sold to Bernard Arnault, chairman of luxury goods group LVMH, and Belgian businessman Albert Frère, with Pierre Lurton installed as estate manager, a constellation similar to that of the group's other chief property Château d'Yquem.
Vineyard
Surface area: 100 acres
Grape Varieties: 57% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Malbec
Average age of vines: 39 years
Density of plantation: 6,000 - 7,00 vines per hectare
Average yields: 35 - 40 hectoliters per hectare
Average cases produced: 6,000 per year
Plateau of maturity: 15 - 50 years
Château Cheval Blanc 2001 Reviews / Tasting Notes
Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate
Point Score: 93
I was surprised by how soft, opulent, even voluptuous the 2001 Cheval Blanc performed out of bottle as this estate's wines tend to shut down when young. Its deep ruby/purple color was accompanied by sweet aromas of cranberries, black currants, menthol, Asian spices, and underbrush. This seductive blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc reveals a lush sweetness, medium body, and ripe, well-integrated tannin. A racy effort filled with personality, it should be at its finest between 2007-2018.
Wine Spectator
Point Score: 93
Solid, with warm earth, tobacco and roasted alder notes that have melded nicely into a core of steeped black currant and blackberry compote flavors. Shows a lovely tug of earth through the finish, with a humus detail echoing amid the fruit.
Stephen Tanzer - Vinous
Point Score: 92+
Full medium ruby. Enticing aromas of black raspberry, lead pencil and cocoa powder. Rich, full, sweet and penetrating, with vibrant flavors of purple berries and bitter chocolate. Broad and full, but the wine's harmonious acidity and floral element give it an impression of delicacy. Offers a lovely combination of fat middle and gripping aftertaste. I would expect this wine to continue to put on weight in bottle.