Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2018

The story of LE PETIT CHEVAL BLANC began in 2006, when Château Cheval Blanc acquired Château La Tour du Pin. The two estates are separated only by a small road leading from Saint Emilion to Pomerol. Planted with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this estate was producing red wine entitled to the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation. The vineyard rapidly underwent a profound restructuring, and it appeared that 6,6 hectares had a very interesting profile for white wines. Becoming aware of this fine potential was the start of everything...

"The first nose is discreet, dominated by citrus fruits. By airing it, floral notes take over (lime blossom, lilac, white flowers). The “new-born” Semillon in the blend opens up a new aromatic register, made up of white-fleshed fruits, and a delicate note of acacia honey and beeswax. The wood, remarkably discreet, brings a mineral and smoky touch. The fresh and precise attack continues in the mid-palate with impressive amplitude and volume. The balance between fat and acidity brings great depth in the mouth, and the long finish is slightly enhanced by a nice bitterness."

"Cheval Blanc's relatively new white wine, the 2018 Le Petit Cheval Blanc, is a blend of 74% Sauvignon Blanc and 26% Sémillon. This is the first vintage that the Sémillon plantings have come online to make the blend. Profound notions of ripe pineapple, passion fruit and white peaches explode from the glass, followed by fragrant notes of lemongrass, lime blossoms and yuzu zest with a waft of sea spray. The palate is full-bodied with an alluring oiliness to the texture and layer upon layer of tropical fruits, citrus peel and minerals, marked by a refreshing line and finishing with loads of mineral sparks. Put aside all your preconceptions of "Bordeaux Blanc" and don't even try to compare it to Pessac-Leognan. This has its own gorgeous expression of these grapes, defying regional tradition. Give yourself over to the rich decadence of this flamboyant white that is at once without peers, but is also quintessentially Cheval Blanc." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate (3/31/2021), Ratings: 95, Drink: 2022-2032