Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2018 - Bordeaux White
Led by Pierre Lurton, Château Cheval Blanc occupies a prominent position in the Saint-Émilion appellation. The estate has been owned by the Dillon family since 1935 and boasts a new ecological winery designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc.
Le Petit Cheval Blanc is the result of an initiative and a challenge taken on by Château Cheval Blanc over 10 years ago: to create an exceptional white wine from a terroir traditionally renowned for its red wines.
Although the original idea was to produce a wine intended exclusively for a circle of family and friends, the ambition to elevate it to the rank of a truly great wine quickly became evident. The 2014 vintage, with only 3,000 bottles produced, marks the beginning of this adventure, perfectly embodying the essence of the château.
Le Petit Cheval Blanc boasts a 6.6-hectare vineyard entirely dedicated to this distinctive cuvée, which was once used to produce Château La Tour du Pin Figeac. This vineyard was acquired in 2006. In 2022, the purchase of Château La Tour du Pin reunifies the historic La Tour du Pin vineyard. Part of its 11 hectares will naturally be dedicated to white wine production.
Le Petit Cheval Blanc is the only white wine produced by Château Cheval Blanc. It was born in 2014, as a single-varietal 100% Sauvignon Blanc.
Sémillon quickly added a higher dimension thanks to its structure and, of course, complexity with its complementary aromatic palette.
In this register, the Sauvignon expresses citrus aromas that the Sémillon enriches with nuances of white fruits, while barrel aging brings a smoky touch to the overall effect.
TASTING
The color is clear, limpid, brilliant, of a beautiful yellow-green. The first nose is discreet, dominated by citrus fruits (lemon, grapefruit). When aired, floral notes take over (lime blossom, lilac, white flowers). The arrival of Semillon in the blend opens a new aromatic register, made of white flesh fruits (peach, pear), and a delicate note of acacia honey and beeswax.
The woody, remarkably discreet, brings a mineral and smoky touch. The fresh and precise attack continues in the middle of the mouth with an impressive amplitude and volume. The balance between fat and acidity brings a great depth in the mouth, and the long finish is slightly enhanced by a nice salivating bitterness.
Data sheet
- Designation
- Bordeaux Blanc
- Year
- 2018
- Color
- White
- Acceptance
- 74 % Sauvignon Blanc, 26 % Sémillon
- Alcohol level
- 14°5
- Apogee
- 2021 - 2030
Vinous / Antonio Galloni - Noté 92/100 (march 2021)
James Suckling - Noté 98/100 (february 2021)
Jean-Marc Quarin / Quarin.com - Noté 95/100 (september 2021)
Jeff Leve - Noté 95/100 (march 2021)
Wine Advocate / Lisa Perrotti - Noté 95/100 (march 2021)