2016 Cheval Blanc
By Chateau Cheval Blanc
2016 Cheval Blanc from Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
Indeed, it is a rarity for the grand tapestry of Bordeaux to present a vintage that so deftly balances power with poise, but the 2016 Cheval Blanc from Chateau Cheval Blanc achieves this with sublime grace. As we delve into the heart of this formidable year, it's important to note the unique climatic narrative that set the stage for such an extraordinary wine.
Distinguished Terroir, Exceptional Vintage
The symphony of weather patterns that played over Saint-Émilion during 2016 crescendoed into a near-perfect autumn harvest. A moderate spring was followed by a summer which alternated between warm days and cooler nights. This fortuitous oscillation bestowed upon the grapes an impeccable maturation, emphasizing depth while preserving the essential freshness – traits vividly expressed within each sip of the 2016 vintage.
In terms of bouquet, the 2016 Cheval Blanc unfurls layers of complexity; a medley of dark fruits, soft cedar, and hints of violet and mint approach the olfactory sense with precision and seduction. To taste, it merges unabashedly bold black cherry and plum with an elegant undercurrent of spice and truffle. The tannins are silkily integrated, presenting an enviable structure that promises significant longevity – an axiom of value for fine wine investors.
An Exquisite Investment Prospect
Set amongst the luminaries of fine wines, the 2016 Cheval Blanc is marked for its harmonious expression of strength and subtlety. It is an anthem to the winemaker's skill and Saint-Émilion's terroir alike. For those who hold fervour for not only savoring but also investing in wines with glorious aging potential, this vintage stands as a paragon among peers.
But beneath its grandeur lies precise balance and sophistication that sings through now or will do so for decades hence. This precision makes it a quintessential exemplar for collectors eyeing accretive assets, rendered ever more desirable in this world where true excellence grows scarce – much like the bespoken allotments of 2016 Cheval Blanc throughout the cellars of connoisseurs.
Market price (CAD)
$9,610.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
289
Scores and tasting notes
The 2016 Cheval Blanc is blended of 59.5% Merlot, 37.2% Cabernet Franc and 3.3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is incredibly youthful yet not so shy as some other 2016s at this stage, giving wonderfully intense scents of red currants, black cherries, wild blueberries and violets with nuances of star anise, cinnamon stick, rose hip tea, cigar box and wood smoke plus a touch of beef drippings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has jaw-dropping elegance and depth, offering up layer upon layer of fragrant red and black fruits plus an extraordinary array of mineral sparks, supported by a rock-solid grainy texture, finishing with epic persistence and an edifying perfume. This is a very different style from the rich, opulently hedonic 2015, yet this wonderfully fragrant, beautifully poised and intellectually compelling 2016 is equally extraordinary.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 30 November 2018
This is very powerful Cheval with searing tannins and bright fruit, acidity and mineral undertones. Full and muscular yet beautifully formed and polished. It’s all about the form to this. Better than 2015.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2017
The property is divided into 45 different plots and each plot has made some grand vin in the last five years. This is from 33 plots. 38% Cabernet Franc, 59% Merlot. The remaining 3% is Cabernet Sauvignon, from a parcel that has been replanted with Cabernet Franc successively. But they have decided to recover this gravelly plot by the road to St-Émilion with Cabernet Sauvignon. This is the first year it's in the grand vin as a reflection of the traditional assemblage of Cheval Blanc. Tasty floral start and then quite rich. A bit of grainy astringency (from those concrete vats?) in terms of texture - by no means unpleasant. Lots of floral notes, hint of putty and then lovely richness underneath. Quite a contrast between nose and palate. Smudgy palate and precise nose. Tannins really present on the end. Very floral on the nose. Big gap! Not sweet!!
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com