Chateau Cheval Blanc 2013

The final blend of the 2013 Cheval Blanc is 53% Cabernet Franc and 47% Merlot. It is a light- to medium-bodied, but stylish, perfumed, complex wine exhibiting hints of forest floor, raspberries and underbrush in a gentle, nicely textured style that builds incrementally in the mouth. Attractive fruit and substance give the wine more completeness than many of its peers. Administrator Pierre Lurton compares it, in a positive manner, to the style of the 2001, but I do not think it has quite the richness of that vintage. Nevertheless, this is an early-maturing, easygoing Cheval Blanc to drink in its first 10-12 years of life.

Cheval Blanc began their harvest on September 26 and, because of the tropical humidity and disease pressure, finished quickly.

The 2013 Cheval Blanc, a blend of 49% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Cabernet Franc (and that is the correct blend!), is darker in color than the 2013 Le Petit Cheval. It has a fragrant bouquet with raspberry preserves, wild strawberries and hints of truffle from the Cabernet Franc - one of the most pleasurable you will find in this vintage. The palate is smooth on the entry with sappy red berry fruit, nicely judged acidity, harmonious and lilting in style with good body and density on the finish. There is a huge difference between the deuxième and grand vin this year. Enjoy this fine Cheval Blanc over the next 10-15 years.

The Cheval Blanc 2013 is a blend of 52% Cabernet Franc and 48% Merlot, representing around 60% of the total production. It has a complex bouquet, introverted at first with pure black, mineral rich fruit that feels as if it is holding everything back for later. The palate has commendable purity considering the growing season - certainly with no sign of greenness. It might lack a little flair, but it is very focused with fine tension on the linear finish. Whilst this might be construed as a conservative Cheval Blanc, the addition of all the parcels in the blend has created a very well balanced, engaging Saint Emilion, one that might deserve a higher score post-bottling.

This is has a very beautiful structure and length for a 2013. Full to medium body, ultra fine tannins and a long and lively finish. Impressive. Racy and refined. Tight still. Better in 2018 but pretty now.

Seductive. This is incredibly floral with violets, raspberries and hints nutmeg. Full to medium body, with a pretty density and freshness. Silky and refined. Velvety wine. Creamy. Attractive tannin backbone. Fascinating Cheval Blanc. Subtle. Reminds me of 1971 or a baby 2001. 52% cabernet franc and 48% merlot.