Nestled among the gentle, rolling hills of St Emilion in the renowned Right Bank of Bordeaux, Chateau Cheval Blanc stands as one of the world's most esteemed vineyards, celebrated for its storied past and exquisite wines. This iconic First Classified Growth A estate has captivated wine enthusiasts for centuries, owing to its exceptional and rare terroir.
The history of Cheval Blanc can be traced back to the 15th century, but the estate truly came into its own in 1832 when Jean-Jacques Ducasse, President of the Libourne Trade Tribunal, acquired the core of the present-day estate. Over the following two decades, Ducasse expanded the vineyard by purchasing prized parcels from neighbouring Chateau Figeac, culminating in the creation of the 39-hectare estate that stands today. Many believe this strategic acquisition of Figeac's original vines is what propelled Cheval Blanc to the ranks of St Emilion's finest.
Over time, Cheval Blanc's esteemed reputation continued to grow. Under the lead of Ducasse's daughter, Henriette, and her husband, Jean Laussac-Fourcaud, vineyard plots were replanted in the 1860s, and improved drainage systems were implemented to enhance wine quality. Originally known as vin de Figeac, the wine was rebranded as “Cheval Blanc” in 1852. Subsequently, the estate earned a string of prestigious medals at the Universal Exhibitions of the 19th century, culminating in gold honours in Paris in 1878 and Antwerp in 1886. These accolades solidified Cheval Blanc's position as one of the world's consistently exceptional wines. By the latter half of the 19th century, Cheval Blanc was regarded in the same league as Margaux, Latour, Lafite, and Haut Brion at auctions in Paris and London.
The estate changed hands in the late 20th century, but the Cheval Blanc legacy endured. Today, the 39-hectare vineyard remains a patchwork of diverse plots, planted with a majority of Cabernet Franc, followed by a significant amount of Merlot, and just a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The resulting wines are nothing short of spellbinding - a symphony of aromatics, complexity, and velvety tannins that have earned Cheval Blanc some remarkable 100-point scores from Robert Parker, including vintages of 1998, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016 and 2019.
For those interested in experiencing a glimpse of this pedigree at a more accessible price point, the estate's Second Wine, Petit Cheval Rouge, presents a vibrant, robust palate teeming with bold, luscious fruit flavors. This offers yet another delightful way to savor the exceptional offerings from this renowned estate.