Chateau Cheval Blanc   Le Petit Cheval

2009 Le Petit Cheval

By Chateau Cheval Blanc

2009 Le Petit Cheval from Château Cheval Blanc, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux

In the splendid tapestry of Bordeaux vintages, the 2009 Le Petit Cheval from Château Cheval Blanc claims its unique position with an assertion of elegance and a finesse that is altogether enchanting. Delving into the glass, one encounters the benefaction of a year that bestowed generous warmth on Saint-Émilion, allowing an impeccable ripening of the fruit.

 

A harmonious vintage embracing investors' palates

Within the microcosm of fine wine investment, the spotlight often favours monumental grand vins celebrated for their ageworthiness and grandeur. The 2009 vintage evokes such sentiments while also conferring immediate pleasure, threading a needle with extraordinary finesse that charms collectors and connoisseurs alike.

As we uncork this creation, it greets us with an aromatic embrace of ripe blackberries and plums, interlaced with hints of truffle and An safe havens for those seeking refuge from market volatility. Your cellar would do well to welcome some of its measured confidence.

 

Investment potential wrapped in velveteen tannins

The 2009 season in Bordeaux bore witness to optimal conditions that culminated in wines of both power and subtlety. The Le Petit Cheval manifests this dichotomy admirably; its plush tannins and layered complexity offer a textbook example of what right bank merlot and cabernet franc can deliver when mother nature smiles favorably upon them.

For those looking towards future value appreciation, this refined ambassador from Château Cheval Blanc is undeniably seductive. It approaches its drinking window with poise, yet promises continued evolution for years to come. This gracious comportment makes the 2009 an attractive proposition for oenophiles and investors seeking both pleasure and performance in their portfolios.

In summation, the 2009 Le Petit Cheval from Château Cheval Blanc presents as a venerated ensemble of ripe fruit characteristics gracefully paired with a structure that promises enduring allure. Nestled within your collection, it offers not just delight to the palate but also a poised potential for growth - a sterling example of what makes Bordeaux undyingly treasured in the circles of fine wine investment.

Market price (GBP)

£1,670.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

119.29

Scores and tasting notes

94

This has a little more Cabernet Franc than usual. Intense aromas of dried flowers, spices and blueberries. Full-bodied, juicy and fruity, with a beautiful softness and polish. Goes on for minutes. Best Petit Cheval. The second wine of Cheval Blanc. Best after 2018.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, February 14th 2012

94

Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. A masterful showing from the oft-overlooked second wine, which outclassed many a Grand Vin under blind conditions. The 2009 has a classy, sophisticated bouquet with blackberry, cherry and a cheeky touch of espresso. The palate is medium-bodied with a pleasurable tealeaf and bay leaf element that complements the ripe spicy black fruit. This has a lot of character with a very composed finish. Just a shame it is as expensive as it is. Tasted January 2013.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2013

91

Possibly the finest second wine Cheval Blanc has yet produced, the 2009 Le Petit Cheval is a blend of 35% Merlot and 65% Cabernet Franc. It exhibits more caramelized notes than the grand vin along with a luscious, open-knit, subtle herbaceous component. This fleshy, sexy 2009 is ideal for drinking over the next decade.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 December 2011

Vintage performance