Le Petit Cheval - Château Cheval Blanc - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016

Jamessuckling.com

97 / 100

par James Suckling le 04/02/2019

The refined, yellow grapefruit nose and the elegant first impression on the palate hardly prepare you for the tidal wave of flavor and freshness that then hits you. Yet, the wine remains so light-footed and delicate. Then you glide into the distance through the very long, silky finish. Drink or hold.

Vinous

92 / 100

par Neal Martin le 24/01/2019

The 2016 Le Petit Cheval comes from just three, sandier parcels and continues the estate’s policy of blending as much of the entire vineyard into the Grand Vin as possible without compromising quality. It has a generous black cherry, boysenberry and fig-scented bouquet with light cedar aromas courtesy of the Cabernet Franc. The medium-bodied palate delivers supple tannin and a crisp line of acidity. I appreciate the freshness here, the linearity and approachability, and the subtle graphite tincture toward the finish. Quite elegant in style. Drink this over the next decade.

Vinous

92 / 100

par Antonio Galloni le 21/01/2019

The 2016 Petit Cheval is gorgeous. Soft and silky, with polished tannins, the Petit Cheval is a wine of pure and total grace. Sweet red cherry fruit, tobacco, cedar, licorice and leather are all gently pushed forward. Soft contours and an air of refinement add t the wine's sheer appeal.

Wine Advocate

94 / 100

par Lisa Perrotti-Brown le 30/11/2018

The 2016 Le Petit Cheval is composed of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc. Medium garnet-purple colored, it has a knock-out nose featuring beautiful red rose, black tea, unsmoked cigars, menthol and yeast extract scents with a core of black cherries, kirsch and warm plums plus a waft of dusty soil. Medium-bodied, tightly wound and wonderfully perfumed in the mouth, the palate features loads of vibrant, pristine pure fruit and a beautifully soft texture, finishing very long.

La Revue du Vin de France

16-16,5 / 20

le 06/06/2017

Très belle acidité, qui exalte la franchise et l'éclat d'un fruit aux accents framboisés et chlorophylliens.

Bettane & Desseauve

93-94 / 100

par Bettane & Desseauve le 03/05/2017

Délicat, très souple, fruit tendre, floral, délicatesse raffinée, allonge veloutée.

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

par Neal Martin le 02/05/2017

The 2016 Le Petit Cheval is a blend of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc from three parcels, representing 7% of the total production. Matured in 60% new oak, it has an attractive bouquet with raspberry preserve, pressed flowers and a touch of orange rind. The palate is medium-bodied with fine delineation and poise, a fine prickle of acidity, maybe a tad tight having just been wrenched from barrel but with fine salinity on the finish. Be advised to give this three or four years in bottle just to smooth out that slight rigidity on the finish.

matthewjukes.com

17,5 / 20

par Matthew Jukes le 25/04/2017

(62 Merlot, 38 Cabernet Sauvignon) | 50% new oak | 13.6% alc. Only three plots were used making these 10000 bottles. This is strangely forward and more approachable than I would have thought it would be, even though the acidity is fresh and tart. Very good and very charming – this is a nice way to drink this property’s wines early. 17.5

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

par Jancis Robinson le 21/04/2017

Back after 2015 when none was made. 16% bulk was produced from a young plot, 7% went into Petit Cheval and the rest into the grand vin. 11,000 bottles of this. 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc, from three plots.Light nose. Good savour and a little inkiness. Very far from a grand vin but a pretty blend. Racy. Pierre-Olivier Clouet sees Italian structure in this. Just a little skinny on the end.

Wine Enthusiast

92-94 / 100

par Roger Voss le 19/04/2017

Barrel Sample. There's not much of Cheval Blanc's second wine this year (7% of total production), because the majority went into the top wine. Packed with fruit, fine acidity and gentle tannins, the Merlot-Cabernet Franc blend will develop quickly.

Jamessuckling.com

93-94 / 100

par James Suckling le 05/04/2017

This is a red with pinpoint but also beautiful tannin, fruit and acid focus. Medium to full body and a tight center palate. Creamy texture. Really excellent. Best second wine of Cheval Blanc in years.