Reviews & Scores
The 2004 Cheval Blanc has always been a wine that I felt needed patience on behalf of the wine lover, and so it is proving to be the case. Served blind I remarked upon a surprisingly Burgundy-like bouquet with ample red cherries, candied strawberry and redcurrant scents, the Merlot clearly more conspicuous than the Cabernet Franc, at least for now. The palate is medium-bodied with just a touch of coarseness on the entry. I appreciate the weight and balance here and belatedly the Cabernet Franc begins to express itself on the latter half, lending structure and grip, a dash of spice and a bit of sinew. Whilst it will never have the persistence of other vintages and regrettably continue to be dwarfed by the 2005, it remains a very fine Cheval Blanc from Pierre Lurton and his team. - WA
WA92March 2017
Deep, soft-edged garnet. Gorgeously complex and seductive aroma – perfumed, multilayered and even a little exotic in its spice, a touch of orange. Even with all that seduction, there's a breath of fresh air and energy. Soft, fresh and elegant. Fabulous harmony and delicacy on the palate – less intense than I expected from the nose but there is great persistence. Super smooth, gently fresh and finely aromatic. (JH) - JR
JR19March 2014
Bright medium ruby. Blueberry, blackberry, violet, pepper and bitter chocolate on the vibrant nose. Very bright on entry, then creamy-sweet and suave in the middle palate, with flavors of candied blackberry, violet and chocolate. Almost disconcertingly lush and easy to taste for young Cheval. Finishes very long and smooth, with sweet tannins and no undue oaky torrefaction at this early stage. Perhaps not as gripping as great vintages like 1998, but I may be splitting hairs. Incidentally, Cheval Blanc will soon be replanting a plot of 20-year-old merlot to cabernet franc. - VM
VM95June 2005