Château Cheval Blanc Saint Emilion 1er Grand Cru 2021

19/20 Gabriel

iefes, elegantes, frisches, komplexes Bouquet, Himbeergelee, Heidelbeeren, Schwarztee, Korinthen, Zedern, Pralinen. Dichtverwobener, eleganter, vielschichtiger, fein konzentrierter Gaumen mit feiner, cremiger, frischer Frucht, viel feinem Tannin, konzentrierter Struktur, kräftiger, vielfältiger Aromatik, sehr langer, kräftiger, fein cremiger Abgang mit vielen Rückaromen.

96 Punkte Falstaff
Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Tabakig, feine Kräuterwürze, dunkle Beerenfrucht, reife Pflaumen, etwas Nougat, würzig und von feinem Edelholz markiert. Komplex, saftig und seidig, feine, reife Tannine, gute Frische, mineralisch und lange anhaftend, zeigt gute Länge und Balance, sicheres Reifepotenzial, feiner Schokotouch im Abgang, ein saftiger Speisenbegleiter.

98 Punkte Suckling
The aromas of currants and flowers with hints of stones and sandalwood are enticing. Medium- to full-bodied, with an impressive structure of polished yet intense and focused tannins that run the length of the wine. Both the acidity and tannins play off each other, giving a punchy character. A classic Cheval. Only 13.3% alcohol. 52% cabernet franc, 43% merlot and 5% cabernet sauvignon. For a decade or so, this wine never had so much cabernet franc. Needs four or five years to soften. Drink after 2029.

97 Punkte Parker
The 2021 Cheval Blanc has turned out beautifully in bottle, and director Pierre-Olivier Clouet even considers it to be superior to the 2020, a preference that I share. Wafting from the glass with aromas of mulberries and cherries mingled with incense, iris and rose petals, framed by a deft touch of new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a velvety attack that segues into a rich, concentrated mid-palate framed by sweet, powdery tannins and concluding with a long, penetrating, rose-inflected finish.