Le Petit Cheval, Grand Cru Classé, St Emilion, 2018

Name: Le Petit Cheval, Grand Cru Classé, St Emilion
Brand: Château Cheval Blanc
Price: 953.12 GBP

Available Vintages

all 2018 2019 2021

justerini & brooks tasting note

Petit Cheval represents just 10% of the production, but hails from the five distinct terroirs covering all the different soil types. This really is a mini Cheval - such a thoroughbred, packed with crème de cassis and fine minerals, then there is a wonderful florality, notes of blood orange and this vital, mouth-watering salinity. Despite its density, there is a real sense of polish to the lithe silky tannins; a sumptuous, handsome wine that is deft, poised and effortless. Superb.

critic reviews

92/100Lisa Perrotti-Brown,The Wine Independent

Le Petit Cheval 2018 is deep garnet purple in color. It bursts with scents of warm blueberries, blackberry preserves, and eucalyptus, plus touches of lavender and dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is firm and grainy, with generous fruit and a spicy lift on the finish.

DRINKING WINDOW 2024 - 2039

date of review 02/2023

92/100Lisa Perrotti-Brown,Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Le Petit Cheval rocks up with open-knit notes of crushed black raspberries, plum preserves and mulberries, plus hints of wild mushrooms, pencil lead, mossy tree bark and cloves. The medium to full-bodied palate is plush, juicy and pretty much ready for business, featuring plenty of earth and black fruit layers, finishing long with a spicy kick. Ten percent of the total production this year went into this second label of Cheval Blanc. I'd give it just another year or two in bottle to fan its tail out a little more and then drink it over the next 15-18 years.

DRINKING WINDOW 2022 - 2040

date of review 03/2021

90/100Neal Martin,Vinous

The 2018 Le Petit Cheval has a pretty bouquet that demands some coaxing from the glass (indeed, I left the bottle a couple of hours to fully open). Blackberry and bilberry fruit, tobacco and light autumn leaf aromas gently unfold but never slip into fifth gear. The palate is medium-bodied with a leafy, slightly herbaceous entry that I personally like, though others seeking more fruit intensity might find it a little lean. But it is fresh and harmonious, and very classic in style, with residues of tobacco and bell pepper on the aftertaste.

DRINKING WINDOW 2025 - 2040

date of review 03/2021