95-100 / 100
Noncontractual photograph
Vintage | 1990 |
Rating | 95-100 |
Classification | St Emilion - 1er Grand Cru Classé A |
Region | Bordeaux |
Appellation | Saint Emilion |
Colour | Red |
Volume | 0.75 l |
Price | More than 300 € |
100/100 | Yes |
Château | Cheval Blanc |
Country | France |
Cheval Blanc is located in the town of Saint-Emilion, on the edge of the Pomerol appellation. Rated 1st Grand Cru Classé A, it shares the top ranking of Saint-Emilion with Château Ausone, Angelus and Pavie. With the Premiers Crus Classés of the Médoc, they constitute the most prestigious estates of all of Bordeaux. Since 1998, Bernard Arnault and Albert Frère have been the owners with the wish to vitalize the Cheval Blanc estate "with respect for its history, as its heritage, and in total confidence in the teams in place. "
Cheval Blanc is one of the most regular wines in the world with the ability to be excellent at any age. The greatest vintages of the estate: 1921, 1945, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1955, 1959, 1961, 1964, 1975, 1982, 1985, 1990, 1998, 1999, 2000.
The percentage of grape varieties is atypical for the right bank of the Gironde but in reality it is in perfect harmony with the nature of the soil: Cabernet Franc (49%), Merlot (47%), Cabernet Sauvignon (4%). There is therefore a mosaic of grape varieties within the single plot of 37 hectares. The estate produces the "Grand Vin de Cheval Blanc" in red as well as a second wine "Le petit Cheval", which is available in red and white.
Powerful, without aggressiveness, spherical, silky, always elegant and racy in its Cabernet Franc gangue that surrounds the Merlot, the Cheval Blanc wine is close to a Pomerol, without completely resembling a Saint-Emilion ... >> To find out more: read the article "Cheval Blanc, Premier Grand Cru Classé A"
Moulis-en-Medoc
DELAS Marquise de la Tourette 1990
Hermitage Rouge
Champagne
Saint Estèphe
FERRATON Père & Fils - Les Miaux 1990
Hermitage Rouge
Listrac
Saint Emilion
Pessac Leognan
CHÂTEAU CANON LA GAFFELIERE 1990
Saint Emilion
Tasted with the members of the SoDivin "family."
Beautiful brilliant color, without any sign of ageing. Somewhat discreet nose that opens progressively toward subtle perfumes of mushrooms, leather, coffee. But the most impressive is the mouth. Perfect balance, silky, velvety, full, rich,soft, subtle and with an infinite length. This has everything that one could want from a grand cru in full maturity. It deserves the highest score.
A deep, velvety colour, with mature rim ; bouquet open and relaxed, perfect harmony ; sweet, earthy, silky texture, spicy oak and good dry finish.
In contrast to the 1989, the 1990 is increasingly sumptuous with each additional tasting. The wine possesses all the hallmarks of a hot, ripe year - low acidity, super-ripe, nearly over-ripe fruit, an opulent, oily texture, great sweetness of fruit, and a long, voluptuously-textured finish. In the most recent tasting, I almost mistook it for Le Pin given its showboat-like nose of coconut, toasty new oak, and gobs of smoky, blackcurranty, and cherry fruit. The wine is full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, with layers of extract, and well-concealed tannin. I am increasingly convinced that this is the most profound Cheval Blanc since the legendary 1982. Because of its fleshy, low-acid character, the wine can be drunk, but it is still youthful, with a deeper purple color than the more mature-looking 1989. A compelling Cheval Blanc!