Chateau Cheval Blanc - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2000

Wine Advocate

99 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe6/30/2010

Coming out of a relatively dormant state, this 2000 is a spectacular Cheval Blanc. Of recent vintages, I think only the 2009 can give it a run for its money. A blend of 53% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Franc, the wine has a sweet nose of menthol, melted licorice, boysenberry, blueberry, and cassis. A broad wine with compelling purity, a layered texture, and sweet tannin, with hints of coffee and earth in the background, this is by far the best Cheval Blanc since 1990 and before 2009. It is a legend in the making and can actually be drunk now, as the tannins have nearly melted away. This is a beauty with incredibly complex aromatics. Drink it over the next 25-30 years. ... Drink 2010-2040

La Revue du Vin de France

17,5 / 20

the12/1/2009

Un vin très fin, avec du style et une texture soyeuse en bouche. Il ne possède par un volume impressionnant, mais une réelle élégance.

Wine Advocate

100 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe9/30/2005

Le 2000 de Cheval Blanc est peu évolué. Sa robe d'un pourpre soutenu accompagne un bouquet réticent, mais remarquable, de mûre, de myrtille, de truffe et de moka. Malgré son caractère serré, l'ensemble révèle encore à l'aération des arômes de réglisse, de menthe et de cuir fin. Corsé et opulent, étayé par des tannins doux et une faible acidité, il déploie une finale longue de 1 minute. Cet assemblage de 53% merlot et 47% cabernet franc est incontestablement aussi profond que ses aînés de 1982 et 1990, et je pense même qu'il peut s'imposer comme l'exemple le plus séduisant de ce cru après les mythiques 1947, 1949 et 1990. Cependant, il requiert de la patience. A boire entre 2010 et 2030, voire au delà.

Wine Advocate

98 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2003

This closed, backward blend of 53% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Franc boasts a saturated purple color along with a reticent but striking bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, truffles, and mocha. In spite of its tightness, aeration reveals scents of licorice, menthol, and saddle leather. Opulent and full-bodied, with low acidity, sweet tannin, and a 60-second finish, it is unquestionably as profound as the 1990 and 1982. I still believe the 2000 has the potential to be the most compelling Cheval Blanc since the mythical 1947 and 1949, but patience is required. It should merit a three digit score in 7-10 years, but it is closed at present. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030+.

Wine Spectator

93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2003

Fresh mineral, berry and earth aromas. Decadent. Full-bodied, yet refined and silky, with a lovely, long finish that goes on and on, with tobacco, berry, cherry and spices. It's not the 1998, but it's very good indeed. Best after 2006.

Wine Advocate

98-100 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/2002

Last year, the 2000 Cheval Blanc appeared to be the wine of the vintage. It has not changed, but about a half dozen other offerings have added considerable weight and are now worthy rivals to this prodigious effort. The most port-like Cheval Blanc I have ever tasted, it represents the essence of this noble vineyard. A blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc, it boasts a saturated purple color along with a striking bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, truffles, and mocha. As the wine sits in the glass, scents of licorice, menthol, and saddle leather also emerge. Opulent and full-bodied, with a diaphanous quality (each layer peels away to reveal even more nuances), low acidity, sweet tannin, and a 60-second finish, it is unquestionably a profound wine. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2030+.

Wine Advocate

99-100 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2001

Readers can put money on this one ... it's a no-brainer, Cheval Blanc 2000 is the wine of the vintage! Approximately 50% of the harvest made the grade for manager Pierre Lurton. This wine offers an explosion of berry fruits, a texture akin to cashmere, and layers of melted tannin infused with awesome levels of extract and fruit. Seamless and extraordinarily pure, the 2000 Cheval Blanc has everything one would ever want in a wine. It is not enormous, but it has a level of intensity and concentration without any sense of heaviness that sets it apart from most wines. Moreover, the tannins are melted and totally unobtrusive in a wine that, analytically, is high in tannin. The glorious nose of blueberries, blackberries, coconut, new saddle leather, and flowers is to die for. The texture is so plush that the palate gets lost in a dizzying smorgasbord of flavors and aromas. This is the greatest young Cheval Blanc I have ever tasted. If there is one wine worth killing for in 2000, it is Cheval Blanc. As a postscript, this wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot.

Wine Spectator

95-100 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2001

Superripe, with berry, licorice and cherry. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a very long finish. Unbelievable. More exuberant and thick than 1998.