2000 Chateau Cheval Blanc
Known all over the world, Chateau Cheval Blanc, a First Classified Growth A, is one of the legendary wines of the Right Bank of the Bordeauxregion. Cheval Blanc benefits from a unique and rare terroir that enjoys a special position on the Saint-Emilion plateau. Though Saint-Emilion is known for its limestone formations, Chateau Cheval Blanc is located on the L'Isle Quaternary alluvial deposits, a non-calcareous formation with varying texture that is a combination of gravel and clay in about the same proportion. These particular soils benefit Cheval Blanc, and are similar to those of the greatest Pomerol wines.
The existence of vines at Chateau Cheval Blanc first appears in writings dating back to the 15th century. The estate entered a new era from 1832 when Jean-Jacques Ducasse, President of the Court of Libourne, acquired the property and bought parcels attached to Chateau Figeac. The marriage between Henriette Ducasse, the daughter of Jean-Jacques Ducasse, and Jean Laussac-Fourcaud, a wine merchant from Libourne, marked the beginning of the modernization of the estate, which include building a network of walled and covered drains. It also lead to a revolution in the vineyard that resulted in the decision to define the varieties grown in the Cheval Blanc vineyard, which combines 50% Merlot, the grape variety of the Right Bank par excellence, and 50% Cabernet Franc "The old wine of Figeac" was then first sold under the name of Cheval Blanc in 1852. After it obtained its first gold medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1878, Chateau Cheval Blanc obtained its highest recognition as a Classified Growth among Saint-Emilion wines in 1954 as a First Classified Growth A
100 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown -"A blend of 53% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Franc, the 2000 Cheval Blanc has a medium garnet-brick color. It explodes with an amazingly complex array of fragrant earth and exotic spice scents, leading to a core of raspberry preserves, cherry cola, dried mulberries, and violets, plus hints of licorice, iron ore, and unsmoked cigars. The palate is gracefully styled and medium-bodied with layer upon layer of fruit, earth, and perfumed spice flavors, framed by silky tannins and beautiful tension, finishing long and minerally. Phenomenal! "
