Le Petit Cheval - Château Cheval Blanc - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2012

Vinous

94 / 100

par Antonio Galloni le 31/12/2015

The 2012 Petit Cheval is striking for many reasons, not the least of which is a very high percentage of Cabernet Franc that gives the wine much of its aromatic presence and overall depth. Deceptively medium-bodied in structure, the 2012 possesses remarkable balance and harmony. There is little question the 2012 Petit Cheval is better than the Grand Vin at many other properties. Rose petal, lavender, violet and mint notes leave a lasting impression on the finish.

Jamessuckling.com

90 / 100

par James Suckling le 15/02/2015

A refined and firm red with dried cherries, spices and coffee beans. Full to medium body,fine tannins and a delicious finish. Better after 2017.

Wine Spectator

91 / 100

par James Molesworth le 10/02/2015

Ripe and fleshy, but restrained and stylish overall, with layers of warm raspberry coulis, blackberry preserves and plum sauce melding beautifully with the smoldering tobacco, anise and loam details. The loam edge keeps the elements grounded through the finish. Drink now through 2022. 1,330 cases made. –JM

timatkin.com

93 / 100

par Tim Atkin MW le 30/06/2013

The percentage of Cabernet Franc was noticeably higher in this, the second wine of Cheval Blanc, than it was in the grand vin. The sample was showing slight reduction, but is very serious indeed, with classic Cabernet Franc notes of fresh herbs and green pepper, succulent red fruits, subtle oak and velvety tannins. Drink: 2018-28

Le Point

16 / 20

par Jacques Dupont le 16/05/2013

Fruits noirs, cerise noire, violette, bouche souple, bien fruitée, tendre en attaque, resserrée ensuite, du reflief et du fruit. Joli vin, qui finit sur la réglisse. O= 2016 G= 8 ans

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

par Neal Martin le 06/05/2013

The Le Petit Cheval is a blend of 25% Merlot and 75% Cabernet Franc, it has an understated bouquet that is quite ripe with hints of iodine developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with quite “thick” tannins, the Cabernet Franc offering a grainy texture, noticeable brine and tobacco accents developing towards the structured, quite linear finish. Though a second wine, I suspect this will deserve two or three years bottle age. Tasted April 2013.

Wine Spectator

91-94 / 100

par James Molesworth le 30/04/2013

Concentrated, sleek and pure, offering a range of red and black fruits, a flash of blueberry, dark tobacco and earth notes, and a long, refined finish. Perfumy hints lurk in the background, and should emerge steadily with time. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

matthewjukes.com

17.5 / 20

par Matthew Jukes le 30/04/2013

Jean-Marc QUARIN

16,5 / 20

par Jean-Marc Quarin le 29/04/2013

Couleur sombre, intense et belle. Nez fruité, frais, et subtil. Bouche grasse dès l'attaque, aromatique, fondante, puissante et très fruitée, évoluant sur une bonne corpulence, vers une finale tannique mais noble et parfumée. C'est très bon et un superbe succès pour ce second vin. Assemblage unique de 75 % de cabernet franc et 25 % de merlot.

Jancis Robinson

17,5 / 20

par Julia Harding MW le 26/04/2013

Drink 2018-2028
75% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot. Pure Cabernet Franc nose with great graphite freshness. Lighter and silkier than Quinault. Soft tannins, delicate, fresh and long. Scented. Late harvest and late-ripening conditions. Just-ripe fruit perfect for Cheval Blanc style. Moreish and mouthwatering finish. Very long given this fresh delicacy. pH 3.8. (JH)

Wine Advocate

86-88 / 100

par Robert Parker le 26/04/2013

The second wine, the 2012 Le Petit Cheval, is composed of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot. Straightforward, elegant, fruity, racy and classy, it lacks a touch of weight, mid-palate depth and length. Nevertheless, there is plenty to like. It should drink nicely upon release and last for a decade thereafter.
Drink: 2013 - 2023

The Wine Cellar Insider

90-92 / 100

par Jeff Leve le 26/04/2013

75% Cabernet Franc with 25% Merlot create the blend. Flowers, licorice, red berries and elegant textures, dominated by fresh red plums and cherries, are the hallmark of this wine. 90-92 Pts

My Bettane + Desseauve

16 / 20

le 25/04/2013

Rondeur fruitée, dimension élégante mais pas gigantesque, raffinement de la texture, mais les 75 % de cabernet franc n’ont pas la stature des grandes années.

Jamessuckling.com

90-91 / 100

par James Suckling le 04/04/2013

A wine with delicious fruit and fine tannins. Medium-to-full body, with lovely fine tannins. Long, long finish. Very juicy and delicious now. 75% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot.