Le Petit Cheval 2020

A refined and aromatic Second Wine of Saint-Émilion

The estate

Known all over the world, the Grand Cru Classé A Château Cheval Blanc is one of the legendary winemaking estates of the right bank of the Bordeaux region. The property's Second Wine, Petit Cheval, offers a superb introduction to the excellence of Cheval Blanc: a refined, powerful wine, with punchy and delicious fruit on the palate. With a new winery designed by Christian de Portzamparc and inaugurated in June 2011, Château Cheval Blanc continues to be an important part of the legend of Bordeaux’s greatest wines.

The vineyard

Cheval Blanc boasts a unique and rare terroir and a special position on the Saint-Émilion plateau. While the appellation of Saint-Emilion is known for its limestone formations, Château Cheval Blanc is situated on Quaternary alluvium soils of Isle, a non-limestone formation with a varied texture, combining gravel and clay soils in roughly equal proportions. This unique soils is quite similar to those of the greatest estates of Pomerol.

The vintage

The beginning of the year 2020 was marked by dry conditions, encouraging the vines to bud prematurely. The month of March began with an important rainfall before experiencing a period of great balminess, inciting a quick start to the vegetation. The heavy pressure from mildew at the beginning of the crop cycle was progressively counteracted by the hot and dry weather conditions. If the months of April, May and June were mild and rainy, the summer conditions were extremely dry with very high temperatures, causing a significant water stress. A rainy spell during the week of 15 August was beneficial for the vines. 2020 remains one of the warmest years recorded since 1994. The harvest was homogenous and of a high quality.

The blend

The Le Petit Cheval 2020 is made from a blend of Merlot (41%) and Cabernet Franc (59%).

Tasting

Nose

Beautifully fresh, the nose blends floral and red fruit fragrances.

Palate

With great precision, the attack continues on a smooth mid-palate with a delicate touch. With a beautiful aromatic persistence, this Petit Cheval seduces with its fruity notes, its complexity, its mouth-coating tannins and its delicious finish.