2017 Le Petit Cheval
By Chateau Cheval Blanc
2017 Le Petit Cheval from Château Cheval Blanc, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
In the verdant vista of Saint-Émilion, the 2017 vintage from Château Cheval Blanc strikes a chord that resonates with the unique temperaments of its birth year. The 2017 Le Petit Cheval emerges as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of this exalted estate in a season marked by climatic challenges.
A Vintage Crafted by Circumstance
The Grand Vin's sibling is not to be overshadowed, as the 2017 Le Petit Cheval evokes its own narrative, woven deeply with the threads of an early frost that rendered the yield scarce but intensely focused. One discovers within its deep ruby embrace an assembly of Cabernet Franc and Merlot that belies the arduous conditions of the year, elegantly endorsing the winemaker's prowess.
A fragrance of ripe cherries and dark berries entwines with delicate floral notes and an undercurrent of savory spices - a bouquet that enchants both neophyte and connoisseur alike. On the palate, the wine unfolds with generous fruit balanced by fresh acidity and refined tannins, an ensemble suggesting that this dance between power and grace is deftly choreographed.
An Investment Worthy of Contemplation
While 2017 might not mirror the heralded longevity of Bordeaux's most legendary vintages, thoughtful cellaring will reveal an evolving complexity within this Petit Cheval. Discerning investors will note its exclusivity, born from diminished quantities and meticulous selection—an asset positioned for those with foresight in fine wine's intricate tapestry of supply and demand.
In essence, the 2017 Le Petit Cheval from Château Cheval Blanc offers a vignette into a vintage characterized by its trials and triumphs. It symbolizes perseverance, a spirited vitality through unpredictable elements—a narrative captured within each bottle. Crafted for those who appreciate elegance amid adversity, it stands as a vibrant investment for both the palate and portfolio.
Market price (GBP)
£1,930.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
148.46
Scores and tasting notes
Some fresh roses and dark berries with plums and cherries, too. Earthy. Medium body and a flavorful finish. Very tight and refined.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
The 2017 Petit Cheval is delicate, floral, and also a touch austere, but classically so. There is good definition to the red cherry, plum, mint and lavender flavors. The Petit Cheval is not a wine to drink young by any means, as it needs at least few years to come into its own. The blend is 52% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Franc. Time in the glass brings out a bit more pliancy in the fruit, but the 2017 Petit Cheval is really a wine built on energy.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
A blend of 52% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple 2017 Le Petit Cheval strides confidently out of the glass with notes of baked black cherries, blueberry preserves and warm plums plus wafts of tilled soil, chargrill and Marmite toast with a hint of cardamom. Medium-bodied, the palate is very tightly knit at this stage with lovely tension defining the earth-laced black fruits, finishing minerally with a bit of chew. Tiny quantities of around 4,500 bottles were produced.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 16 March 2020
Composed of 52% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Le Petit Cheval comes strutting out of the glass with gregarious notions of red currant jelly, black raspberries, blackberries and dark chocolate with hints of lavender, allspice, fertile loam and potpourri. Medium-bodied and firmly textured with chewy tannins and seamless freshness, it has plenty of spice and earth layers and a long, mineral-tinged finish. 4,500 bottles are to be produced.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
The 2017 Le Petit Cheval is a small production this year, representing around 8% of the total, from two parcels including one of young sélection massale Cabernet Franc and Merlot on sandy soil. It has a taut, linear bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, briary and light pressed flower aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with cedar and tobacco-tinged black fruit, quite Left Bank in style, which is no surprise given the high percentage of Cabernet Franc that lends a subtle dried blood note on my second reading of this wine towards the end of my visit. I like the structure on the finish, coupled with the fruit that should make this approachable after one or two years.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18