Château Cheval Blanc - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 1995

Wine Spectator

92 / 100

byThomas Matthewsthe3/31/1999

Elegantly structured and packed with flavor, this shows fragrant cherry and toasty aromas with ripe cherry and spicy flavors. It's beautifully balanced and already delicious.--Cheval-Blanc vertical. –

Wine Advocate

92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe9/1/1998

This Cheval Blanc (a 50% Merlot/50% Cabernet Franc blend in 1995) is dark ruby/purple-colored with an opaque middle. It exhibits a sexy, penetrating fragrance of chocolate, vanilla, black plummy fruit, minerals, and exotic fruits (coconuts). Fatter and richer than it was last spring, this layered, opulently-textured, medium-bodied wine possesses gorgeous reserves of fruit, glycerin, and extract. Its low acidity, moderate tannin, and wonderful purity suggests an outstanding example of Cheval Blanc. While it will not rival the 1990 or 1982, the 1995 is significantly better than the 1989 and 1988. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2018. Last tasted 11/97

Wine Advocate

92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1998

A pretty, attractive Cheval Blanc, the 1995 contains a higher percentage of Merlot in the final blend than usual (50% Merlot/50% Cabernet Franc). This wine has not developed as much fat or weight as its younger sibling, the 1996, but it appears to be an outstanding Cheval Blanc with an enthralling smoky, black currant, coffee, and exotic bouquet. Complex, rich, medium to full-bodied flavors are well-endowed and pure, with surprisingly firm tannin in the finish. Unlike the sweeter, riper 1996, the 1995 may be more structured and potentially longer-lived. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020.

Wine Advocate

91-93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1997

The 1995 Cheval Blanc was performing exceptionally well several months before its scheduled bottling. The wine is dark ruby/purple-colored with an opaque middle. It exhibits a sexy, penetrating fragrance of chocolate, vanilla, black plummy fruit, minerals, and exotic fruits (coconuts). Fatter and richer than it was last spring, this layered, opulently-textured, medium-bodied wine possesses gorgeous reserves of fruit, glycerin, and extract. Its low acidity, moderate tannin, and wonderful purity suggests an outstanding example of Cheval Blanc. While it will not rival the 1990 or 1982, the 1995 is significantly better than the 1989 and 1988. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2018.

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1996

In a year when many people were pleased with Cabernet Franc (Cheval Blanc's blend always contains at least two-thirds Cabernet Franc), the 1995 possesses a dark ruby color with purple nuances. The big, sweet aromatics include jammy red and blackcurrant, spice, and vanillin scents. With a creamy texture, low acidity, medium body, and excellent concentration, drinking this wine is akin to eating candy given its lush, silky texture and heady finish. If it puts on some weight and gains more depth it will turn out better than the 1989 and 1988, but let no one suggest this is remotely reminiscent of the great 1990. It will require 3-4 years of cellaring, and will keep for 15-16 years.