Chateau Cheval Blanc 2021

JAMES 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."

WEINWISSER: "Der überragende Cheval Blanc wuchs mit dem Fassausbau über sich hinaus und tatsächlich ist das in kühleren Jahren kein Einzelfall. Schwarz und undurchdringlich in der Optik. Mit dunklen Fruchtakzenten und feinem Blütenduft erscheint er extrem frisch, tiefgründig und offensiv in der Nase. Feinste schokoladige Obertöne, große Weite, nicht extrem üppig und doch eindringlich und hochauthentisch begeistert er im Geruch. Sehr finessenreich und lang arrangiert ist er enorm vielschichtig und durchdringend im Mund. Ein großer Cheval, noch drahtiger als der unterschätzte 2011er, dabei nicht ganz so voll, jedoch unbarmherzig tief und mitreißend. Das große Terroir kommt voll zur Geltung mit feinsten Gerbstoffen und großer, charaktervoller Struktur. Seine Frische wird den 21er Cheval Blanc ewig reifen und zeitlos altern lassen. Das ist superklassischer Cheval Blanc, der einfach nicht aufhört, 13.35 Vol.-% Alkohol. Noch ein Wort zum Cheval Blanc 2011: Auch auf dem Weingut ist dies mittlerweile der Jahrgang, der vorzugsweise präsentiert wird, um den Charakter dieser Ikone eindrucksvoll vorzuführen. Ein international weit unterschätzter Cheval-Jahrgang. Dieses Schicksal könnte auch dem 2021er blühen."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Poised between its regal bearing, and, sensuous, sexy side, this is a clear contender for wine of the vintage, avoiding all of the pitfalls of the vintage. This sublime gem pops from the glass effortlessly with array of flowers, spices, red, and dark red fruits, tobacco, and mint leaves. The palate offers a majestic display of vibrant, al dente red fruits, and ripe, dark red berries, coupled with firm, cashmere, polished tannins, velvet-textured black cherries, and plums. This is showing even better in the bottle than it did in barrel! The wine blends 52% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, making this the highest percentage of Cabernet in over a decade. The willingness to delay harvesting, finishing October 14, along with low yields, at only 28 hectoliters per hectare are part of the reason the vintage was so successful. Drink from 2029-2060."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2021 Château 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."

DECANTER: "Smells wonderful, the nose full of milk chocolate and fragranced cherries, so pure and precise. Wonderfully clean and delineated - also has a sense of weight and expanse to the aromas - blueberries and blue flowers. Taut and controlled, this strikes an immediate buzz in the mouth, straight and focussed, not much deviation from the core, but this has a nice texture that gives a bounce to the expression. Still young and a bit coiled, but this carries wonderful freshness and a real sense of drinkability. It’s on the light side, some new oak coming out in the spiced edges and liquorice undertone but I like the no frills nature. Not showing off at all, but giving refined elegance. When it’s ready, it will be a real pleasure to drink."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The Grand Vin 2021 Château Cheval Blanc is unquestionably a candidate for the wine of the vintage. Based on 52% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon (the 2011 comes close to this blend), it has a vivid purple hue as well as gorgeous aromatics of black raspberries, spring flowers, cassis, freshly sharpened pencils, and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, and incredibly elegant, it has plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. While it already offers pleasure, it deserves 4-5 years in the cellar and will shine over the following two decades."

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."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "A blend of 52% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, there were 72,000 bottles produced of Cheval Blanc 2021. It has a deep garnet-purple color and springs from the glass with energetic notes of kirsch, black raspberries, and wild strawberries, followed by suggestions of menthol, lavender, and cedar chest. The medium-bodied palate shimmers with red berry and mineral layers, supported by fine-grained tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing long with loads of floral sparkles. So, so pretty!"

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Deep crimson hue. Fragrant and floral with a hint of mint, the same returning on the palate. Focused and precise, the fruit juicy and the plentiful tannins finely grained. Low-key but elegant and refined. Should fill out more in bottle."

WINE SPECTATOR: " Polished and inviting in feel, offering notes of dark cherry and plum puree infused with black tea, followed by persistent echoes of warm stone, violet and bay through the lengthy finish. Lacks the density of a classic, but displays a seamless feel that avoids the austerity of the vintage. Great effort. Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2040. 6,058 cases made, 462 cases imported."