01/10/2026
🍷Chateau Cheval Blanc 2021
Saint-Émilion | Bordeaux | France
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🏰 Producer Overview
Château Cheval Blanc is one of Saint-Émilion’s most iconic estates, historically classified Premier Grand Cru Classé “A.” Its identity is unusual for the Right Bank because Cabernet Franc plays an exceptionally important role alongside Merlot.
The vineyard combines gravel, clay, and sandy soils, allowing Cheval Blanc to produce wines with both silky richness and remarkable aromatic finesse. The estate describes its hallmark style around freshness, elegance, balance, and length.
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🌿 Blend – 2021
* 52% Cabernet Franc
* 43% Merlot
* 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
* 2021 marked the first vintage since 2011 in which Cabernet Franc exceeded 50% of the Grand Vin blend.
Style: Floral, precise, structured, and exceptionally refined.
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🍷 W**e Profile
Aromas:
Black cherry, raspberry, plum, rose petals, iris, violet, cedar, mint, graphite, and subtle spice.
Palate:
* Medium to full-bodied
* Fine, powdery tannins
* Exceptional freshness and precision
* Layered red and dark fruit
* Strong Cabernet Franc perfume and mineral tension
* Deep concentration without excessive weight
Finish:
Very long, floral, saline, and penetrating, with lingering red fruit and delicate savory nuances.
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💡 Style Insight
Cheval Blanc wines are typically:
👉 More perfumed and floral than overtly powerful
👉 Distinguished by the high proportion of Cabernet Franc
👉 Silky and refined while retaining serious structure
👉 Particularly complex with bottle age
The 2021 vintage is especially notable for its Cabernet Franc-driven freshness and aromatic lift. Compared with richer years, it shows a more classical, precise, and energetic personality.
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⭐ Expert Ratings
Vinous – 98 points
Highlighted the wine’s richness, polished tannins, dark fruit, herbs, menthol, and luxurious yet seamless character.
James Suckling – 98 points
Praised its focused tannins, floral aromatics, freshness, and impressive structure.
W**e Advocate – 97 points
William Kelley noted its layered concentration, velvety texture, powdery tannins, floral character, and long finish.
