Le Petit Cheval 2020

A Refined and Aromatic Second Wine from Saint-Émilion

The estate

Known worldwide, Château Cheval Blanc, a 1st Grand Cru Classé A, is part of the legendary estates of the wines from the right bank of the Bordeaux region. The Second Wine of the estate, Petit Cheval, offers a superb introduction to the excellence of the grand wine Cheval Blanc, with wines that are distinguished, powerful, and have a palate of striking and delicious fruit. With a new cellar designed by Christian de Portzamparc and inaugurated in June 2011, Château Cheval Blanc continues to write the legend of the greatest wines of Bordeaux.

The vineyard

Château Cheval Blanc benefits from a unique and rare terroir, enjoying a particular position on the plateau of Saint-Émilion. While the Saint-Émilion appellation is known for its limestone formations, Château Cheval Blanc is located on the quaternary alluvium of the Isle, a non-limestone formation with varied texture, combining gravel and clay soils in roughly equal proportions. This particularity of the soils means that this estate benefits from soils similar to those of the greatest wines of Pomerol.

The vintage

The beginning of 2020 is marked by dry conditions favoring an early bud break of the vine. March starts with significant rainfall before experiencing a period of great mildness, stimulating the rapid start of vegetation. The strong pressure of mildew at the beginning of the vegetative cycle was gradually neutralized by dry and warm climatic conditions. If the months of April, May, and June are temperate and rainy, the summer conditions are extremely dry with very high temperatures, causing significant water stress. A rainy episode during the week of August 15 is beneficial for the vineyard. 2020 remains one of the hottest years recorded since 1994. The harvest is homogeneous and of high quality.

Blend

Merlot (41%) and cabernet franc (59%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Petit Cheval 2020

Tasting

Nose
With beautiful freshness, the nose combines floral fragrances and red fruit.

Palate
With great precision, the attack extends to a creamy mid-palate and a delicate touch. With beautiful aromatic persistence, this Petit Cheval seduces with its fruity notes, its complexity, its enveloping tannins, and its finish of great deliciousness.