Chateau Cheval Blanc 2020

WEINWISSER: "Dicht verwobenes Bouquet, ungeheuer komplex, ein Hauch von tasmanischem Bergpfeffer, Wildkirsche, getrockneter Rosmarin, dunkle Schokotrüffel und betörendes Veilchenparfüm. Am royalen Gaumen mit kaschmirartiger Textur, kakaoartigem Tannin, stützendem Tanningerüst, perfekt geformter Körper. Im konzentrierten, nicht enden wollenden Finale schwarzbeerige Konturen, Jasmin, tiefschürfende Mineralik und königliche Adstringenz. Höchstnote ! Bravo Pierre Lurton und Pierre-Olivier Clouet."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The Grand Vin 2020 Château Cheval Blanc checks in as a blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon that was raised, as always, in 100% new French oak. As usual with Cheval Blanc, it's primarily about finesse and elegance, as well as complexity, and exhibits a deep purple hue as well as a kaleidoscopic bouquet of sweet red and black fruits, spring flowers, spicy incense, loamy earth, and smoke tobacco. Absolutely flawless on the palate, it's full-bodied, has perfectly integrated oak, ripe, silky tannins, and a gorgeous finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. This powerful, concentrated Cheval Blanc offers pleasure even today (needs lots of air) but warrants 7-8 years of bottle age and will see its 40th birthday in fine form."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "The bouquet of white, red, and purple flowers is made even better with the addition of Indian spices, red with black fruits, and truffles. However, as good as the nose is, it is on the palate, with its seemingly countless layers of cashmere textured fruits, refined, silky tannins, lift, and energy that steals the show. The wine gently caresses your palate seamlessly for over 60 seconds. This is a monumental Cheval Blanc that will age for decades, yet, it is sexy, and you will be able to enjoy it young. Drink from 2027-2065."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Lots of blueberries and flowers such as violets and crushed stone. This is very structured and muscular with minerally tannins that run the length of the wine. Very closed. Polished texture that gives it class and presence. This is one for the cellar. 65% merlot, 30% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon. Try after 2030."

DECANTER: "Satisfying, edgy and seductive. The 2019 was perhaps more openly charming at this point, but there is lovely attention to detail here with delicate floral aromas, blue fruit and liquorice aspects on the nose followed by a patina of flavours and textures on the palate. Rich and powerful, clearly concentrated but delivered subtly and carefully, not pushed too far. There's a clarity, precision and purity to the blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, with crushed stone saltiness, clove, aniseed and liquorice root. I loved the 2019 more at this stage but this has excellent potential for long ageing and will no doubt deliver unbridled enjoyment when it's ready."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "This wine has power and density. It also offers a perfumed intensity of black fruits and ripe tannins. The shape of the wine is already there even if it is still very young. Ripe and sweet, the fruit is delicious and open, bringing great freshness behind the structure. Drink this wine from 2027."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2020 Cheval Blanc wafts from the glass with aromas of mulberries, plums and cherries mingled with hints of rose petals, licorice, sweet spices and lilac. Full-bodied, broad and voluptuous, it's layered and fleshy, with a ripe core of fruit, sweet tannins and a long, expansive finish. While purists will gravitate toward the purer and more precise and perfumed 2019, the 2020 will appeal to readers who love the richest, most powerful expressions of Cheval Blanc."

FALSTAFF: "Grafit, Veilchen, Schwarze Johannisbeere, etwas Karamell, Mazerationstöne, Hefe. Grüntee. Handwerklich körniges Tannin, sehr viel Saftigkeit, ein ganz unaufdringlicher Bau, nicht zu cremig, nicht zu alkoholkräftig, fein eingegliederte Säure, alle Komponenten aus einem Guss, aromatisch noch eher mittelgewichtig, aber durch Delikatesse überzeugend. Ein Cheval mit eleganten Anlagen und einer im Abgang Spannung gewinnenden taktilen Mineralität."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Very alluring, with a well of dark currant, fig and mulberry fruit flavors that have melded nicely, laced with black licorice, black tea and sweet tobacco notes. Well-defined, with a subtle flash of warm earth at the very end. Remarkably polished for the vintage. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2029 through 2040."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Sublime wine which I underrated in the en primeur tastings. Lovely, lifted, floral nose with a hint of violet. Very pure and fine, as is the palate with a mass of very fine tannin. Smooth attack, then long and extremely focused. There’s precision and balance and a mouth-watering, digeste quality as well. Delicious now but will certainly age."