2005 Cheval Blanc
By Chateau Cheval Blanc
2005 Cheval Blanc from Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
The mighty 2005 Cheval Blanc from Chateau Cheval Blanc remains a quintessential expression of the magnificence of Saint-Émilion. Even amidst the pantheon of legendary vintages, the 2005 offering stands as a towering achievement, captivating connoisseurs and investors alike. A distinguished career spent traversing the varied landscapes of fine wines affords me the confidence to assert that the 2005 stands as a vintage par excellence.
A Vintage Defined by Elegance and Power
Indeed, the year 2005 blessed Bordeaux with near-perfect conditions, a gift from the heavens for viticulturists and winemakers. The season’s moderate climate conspired with an ideal harvest window to birth grapes of immaculate balance, crafting lavishness on the palate discreetly restrained by an enduring structure. The 2005 Cheval Blanc embodies this interplay flawlessly; rich, opulent Merlot melds with robust Cabernet Franc, giving rise to a wine that speaks to the soul of Saint-Émilion.
Unravelling in the glass, it reveals layers of dark fruits interspersed with hints of truffle and fresh earth – a tapestry of complexity woven over 17 years of careful aging. The tannins, once youthful and assertive, have matured into gentle guardians of the wine's depth and longevity. A serenade to sensibility, each sip evokes a symphony whose crescendo belies enticing notes of tobacco and delicate spice that linger in an elaborate finish.
An Investment Worthy of Every Cellar
With its compelling narrative in bottle form, the 2005 Cheval Blanc emerges as an incontrovertible asset for any serious wine investor. The discernment applied during vinification has yielded a vintage that continues to appreciate with grace – a testimony to both its inherent quality and meticulous craftsmanship at Chateau Cheval Blanc.
In conclusion, savouring or investing in the 2005 Cheval Blanc is to partake in an exceptional chapter of vinous history – one that will indubitably enrich both palate and portfolio. It is emphatically a pivotal addition to any collection, epitomising both the timeless allure and astute sophistication characteristic of Grand Cru Classé wines.
Market price (SGD)
$13,040.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
390.5
Scores and tasting notes
The 2005 from Cheval Blanc is a quintessentially elegant, beautiful, deep bluish/ruby-colored wine from St.-Emilion, with raspberry, blueberry, and floral notes, impressive density, great precision, freshness and purity. Full-bodied, but extremely light on its feet, I don’t mean to gush, but it is super-intense, rich and just so meticulously crafted! This is another fabulous wine and a perfect expression for this vintage. It is difficult to forget the gorgeous blueberry and raspberry fruit, full body, sweet tannin, a multi-layered texture, and purity and palate presence of this stunning wine. Drink it over the next 20 years. P.S. In 2005, this was 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2015
This has a fabulous nose of black fruit, dark chocolate, nuts, and spices. It’s pretty much perfect. Full bodied, with beautiful fine tannins reminiscent of cashmere. A long, long finish rounds out this beautiful wine. Please don’t touch this until 2020. Find the wine
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, March 15th 2011
The dense ruby/purple-hued 2005 Cheval Blanc’s ethereal bouquet of menthol, coffee, wet stones, black cherries, blackberries, and hints of graphite and spice soars from the glass. An equal part blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, it is medium to full-bodied with a gorgeous texture in addition to high tannins that glide over the palate with no angularity or astringency. While it does not quite reach the perfection of the 2000, it should rival the profound 1998 and 1990. This is not a Cheval Blanc for near-term drinking as it demands at least a decade’s worth of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #176 April 2008
The 2005 is ferociously closed on the nose – broody and backward, opening slowly with wild strawberry, crushed stone, bay leaf and Chinese tea. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, gently grippy tannins, citric peel and a masculine, assertive finish. This is a long-term Cheval Blanc but it does not have the sheer audacity or bravura of the 2009. Tasted December 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2013