Bordeaux 2025: Chateau Cheval Blanc and Evangile

This could be the most rarefied Cheval Blanc of modern times. It was a labour of love with yields of just 15hl/ha, although in the westerly plots, this figure was down into single digits. Anyway, suffice to say, there isn’t a lot of it, which is a great shame, as this is one of the most unique and exquisite wines of the vintage, and it is sure to become a real collector’s item. Arnaud explained the 2025 has almost 2010 levels of concentration with just 12.7% alcohol (2% lower than the 2010). It’s almost freakish to have so much concentration and substance with such ravishing acidity and low alcohol. Those who have been following this great St Emilion chateau will not want to miss out on this enthralling expression.

“A blend of 51% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2025 Château Cheval Blanc stands out once again as among the finest wines of the vintage in Bordeaux. Wafting from the glass with a deep bouquet of dark berries and cherries mingled with notions of blood orange and iris, it's full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with terrific mid-palate density, sweet tannins and a long, vibrant, violet-inflected finish. With its striking aromas, intensity of flavor and resolutely classical proportions (checking in at 12.7% alcohol and pH of 3.76), the 2025 gives every indication of being one of the great Cheval Blancs of the decade.”

98-100/100 - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate

“The 2025 Cheval Blanc includes all 47 plots on the estate except one that was sold off. This nose is more immediate than some of its neighbours, a mixture of blackcurrant, raspberry, strawberry and blueberry, very expressive, underneath which lie tobacco and graphite scents. It is open, nothing hidden here. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid red berry fruit, just a touch of black pepper, a more reserved and structured Cheval Blanc than usual, vertical in style, the Cabernet Franc driving the finish. Not what I would call a sensual Cheval Blanc, but it has a distinctive character. Not everyone is going to fall head over heels for this Cheval Blanc because it is uncompromising, and I like that. Just be patient. This will need time.”

95-97/100 - Neal Martin, Vinous.com

A hop, skip and a jump over the border into Pomerol and we have the excellent Evangile. Ever since Juliette Couderc arrived here, Evangile has stepped it up. The 2025 is an excellent example, redolent with beautiful dark fruit and gorgeous minerality; this is a sensational expression of this great terroir.

“The 2025 L'Évangile has been given new impetus by winemaker Juliette Couderc. It is initially backward, but it really comes forth with a few swirls of the glass: black cherries, mint and juniper berries, just a hint of truffle, quite vibrant and vivacious. Wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins, a fine bead of acidity, superb minéralité, as if there were a bit of limestone soil, but there is none. Very saline on the aftertaste with impressive length. This is a marvellous L'Évangile given the growing season, and it seems imbued with so much personality.”

96-98/100 - Neal Martin, Vinous.com