2018 Château Cheval Blanc Le Petit Cheval Blanc

2018 Château Cheval Blanc Le Petit Cheval is the quintessential second wine from one of Bordeaux’s most revered estates, offering a glimpse into the magic of Cheval Blanc in a more approachable, earlier-drinking style. Crafted from the estate’s exceptional Right Bank terroir, it marries concentration with finesse and a striking freshness. Produced in small quantities—around 10% of the château’s total output—this wine has become a coveted insider’s choice for those who love Cheval Blanc’s signature aromatic complexity without waiting decades.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Le Petit Cheval shows a medium to deep garnet-purple hue, hinting at both youthful vibrancy and underlying depth. The nose is immediately expressive, with lifted aromas of crushed black raspberries, mulberry and preserved plum, wrapped in more savory notes of wild mushrooms, pencil shavings, mossy bark and a warm dusting of clove and spice. On the palate, this is medium to full-bodied, supple and juicy, with a generous core of ripe black and red fruits framed by fine-grained tannins. Layers of dark berries are intertwined with earthy undertones and subtle forest floor complexity, building to a long, poised finish with a gentle, spicy kick. While already accessible and charming, the structure and freshness suggest excellent aging potential; it will benefit from another year or two in bottle and then drink beautifully over the next 15–18 years.

Production
Sourced from Château Cheval Blanc’s legendary Right Bank vineyards in Bordeaux, Le Petit Cheval reflects the same mosaic of gravel, clay and sand that underpins the grand vin, but from parcels and selections chosen for a slightly more forward profile. The 2018 blend is composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, harvested by hand to ensure optimal ripeness and meticulous berry selection. Vinification follows the château’s exacting standards, with fermentation in temperature-controlled vats and careful extraction to preserve purity of fruit and aromatic detail, followed by élevage in high-quality French oak barrels to refine texture and add subtle complexity without overpowering the wine’s natural elegance.

Food & Serving
This refined Bordeaux pairs beautifully with classic dishes such as roast lamb with herbs, filet mignon, duck breast, or veal in a truffle or mushroom sauce. It also complements earthy vegetarian dishes featuring lentils, wild mushrooms, or roasted root vegetables, as well as aged hard cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal expression. While decanting for 45–60 minutes in its youth will help the aromatics unfurl and soften the tannins, more mature bottles will require only a gentle splash decant to remove any sediment.

Producer
Château Cheval Blanc is one of the true icons of Bordeaux’s Right Bank, standing alongside names like Pétrus and Ausone at the pinnacle of Saint-Émilion. With a history dating back to the 19th century, the estate has long been celebrated for its unique blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc and was one of the few properties to achieve the coveted Premier Grand Cru Classé ‘A’ status in the Saint-Émilion classification. Known for wines that combine power, aromatic intensity and remarkable finesse, Cheval Blanc has played a defining role in shaping the reputation of the region. Le Petit Cheval, the estate’s second wine, allows enthusiasts to experience the house style in a more accessible, earlier-drinking form, while still reflecting the precision, pedigree and craftsmanship that have made Cheval Blanc a legend.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.