Lot presentation

Le Petit Cheval Second Vin (OWC if 6 bts) 2012

The wine

Petit Cheval is the second wine of the prestigious Château Cheval Blanc, and has been produced since 1988. Located on the edge of Pomerol, this vineyard has a remarkable, unique character. The grape varieties planted are somewhat unusual for the Saint Emilion, with a higher proportion of Cabernet Franc than Merlot, resulting in a rich, full-bodied, intense, smooth wine. Petit Cheval is produced from the vines growing on the sandiest soil. Usually delicious to drink young, it has a potential to age for several years.

About the Producer Château Cheval Blanc

The wines of the legendary Château Cheval Blanc are among the best in the world. Until 1835 Cheval Blanc's vineyard was part of Figeac. Sold in two stages during the 19th century to the Fourcaud-Lussac family, the owners of Château l'Evangile, a separate estate was created and expanded by their descendants, who remained the owners until the end of the 20th century. In 1998, Albert Frère and Bernard Arnault joined forces to buy the Cheval Blanc Société Civile, but the same team and director, Pierre Lurton, remained in place. In 2009 the LVMH group bought 50% of Bernard Arnault's personal stake. Located on the edge of Pomerol, the vineyard has a very particular terroir. The grape varieties planted are unusual for the Saint Emilion, with a higher proportion of Cabernet Franc than Merlot. Tremendously rich and smooth, this wine is characterized by exotic flavours, with notes of spices and very ripe black fruit, and a just a hint of mint. Ranked among Bordeaux's greatest wines, Cheval Blanc has maintained an excellent level of quality for many years. This wine is usually delicious even at bottling. After ageing for several decades (in the great vintages) it develops a superb intensity and richness. Some vintages, such as 1947 or 1982, reach extraordinary levels of perfection. Despite a slight wobble in quality in the 1960s and 1970s, Château Cheval Blanc has remained at the top since 1954, with the highest possible rank of Premier Cru Classé A in the Saint Emilion classification. You will not find any 1991 Cheval Blanc. The wine was not produced in that year.

Detailed characteristics