Château Cheval Blanc
St. Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend
St. Émilion, Libournais, Bordeaux, France
The 1948 Cheval Blanc may well constitute the most unheralded legendary wine of the 20th century, in no small part because it precedes the 1947. However, after years of several mavens lionizing this vintage and after one impressive but not convincing bottle, I encountered a 1948 Cheval Blanc that frankly, blew me away. This third bottle originates from the same source as that and mirrors its performance. Deep and lucid in color, it has a quite astonishing bouquet that is high-toned and decadent: kirsch, blueberry and a hint of liquorice, all beautifully defined. But it is the power that knocks you sideways. The palate is exquisitely balanced with supple tannin, velvety in texture with a multi-layered smorgasbord of glistening red fruit towards the finish – wild strawberry, Morello cherry, and cranberry all mixed with subtle ferrous and tobacco notes. It is a wondrous Saint-Émilion that I would dearly love to compare with the 1947 one day! Tasted at a private dinner in London. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2018)
The 1948 Cheval Blanc may well constitute the most unheralded legendary wine of the 20th century, in no small part because it precedes the 1947. However, after years of several mavens lionizing this vintage and after one impressive but not convincing bottle, I encountered a 1948 Cheval Blanc that frankly, blew me away. This third bottle originates from the same source as that and mirrors its performance. Deep and lucid in color, it has a quite astonishing bouquet that is high-toned and decadent: kirsch, blueberry and a hint of liquorice, all beautifully defined. But it is the power that knocks you sideways. The palate is exquisitely balanced with supple tannin, velvety in texture with a multi-layered smorgasbord of glistening red fruit towards the finish – wild strawberry, Morello cherry, and cranberry all mixed with subtle ferrous and tobacco notes. It is a wondrous Saint-Émilion that I would dearly love to compare with the 1947 one day! Tasted at a private dinner in London. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2018)
May 24th, 2018
Holy shit, you can have your '45 your '47 and your '49. I'll drink the '48 until the end of my days!
Holy shit, you can have your '45 your '47 and your '49. I'll drink the '48 until the end of my days!
Feb 11th, 2017
al, overlooked because of its tannic youth and its proximity to the improbable masterpiece the ’47 became. On the nose you have violets and strawberries, an attractive leafy spiciness, and very evident Cabernet Franc. Sweet red berries on the palate opening, sage, rosemary and spices, some cloves, harmonious acids, just such an alluring, precise wine, game and sweet notes past the mid palate, a beautiful floral, lingering finish. There is nothing excessive about this wine, a graceful yet still alluring, fleshy texture pervade this beauty. Simply brilliant!
al, overlooked because of its tannic youth and its proximity to the improbable masterpiece the ’47 became. On the nose you have violets and strawberries, an attractive leafy spiciness, and very evident Cabernet Franc. Sweet red berries on the palate opening, sage, rosemary and spices, some cloves, harmonious acids, just such an alluring, precise wine, game and sweet notes past the mid palate, a beautiful floral, lingering finish. There is nothing excessive about this wine, a graceful yet still alluring, fleshy texture pervade this beauty. Simply brilliant!
Jul 11th, 2016
Danish bottled, shipped en barrique by Eschenauer & Compagnie- a Bordeaux negoc/wine merchant (looks like 49 because of slight label scuff, but it's definitely 48) Great color...slight decay on the nose with some pruniness..., foresty pine flavors on the mid, lively fine spicy tannins on a elegant long finish.
Danish bottled, shipped en barrique by Eschenauer & Compagnie- a Bordeaux negoc/wine merchant (looks like 49 because of slight label scuff, but it's definitely 48) Great color...slight decay on the nose with some pruniness..., foresty pine flavors on the mid, lively fine spicy tannins on a elegant long finish.
May 4th, 2016
Wow and yummy what power to still be a force after all those years
Wow and yummy what power to still be a force after all those years
Jun 11th, 2013
