Le Petit Cheval 2001
- Vintage
- 2001
- Country
- France
- Region
- Bordeaux,St Emilion
- Size
- 750ml
- Grape
- Bordeaux Blend
Second label of Chateau Cheval Blanc
This is a great vintage for Petit Cheval. The quality is surprisingly good. The dark red colour is indicative of the wine's beautiful concentration.
Although the nose seems somewhat closed at first, it gradually opens up to reveal classy, complex aromas of raspberry and spice. The bouquet is very charming, with concentrated ripe fruit such as blackcurrant. The oak is well-integrated and contributes vanilla and toasted almond nuances.
The wine starts out very smooth, fresh, and features a wide range of fruit flavours. Powerful and perfectly-structured, this Petit Cheval exhibits great class. It has plenty of body and the tightly-knit tannin is beautifully polished. This superlative Petit Cheval has an elegant long aftertaste.
Its ageing potential continues to surprises us. - Winemaker's Notes
The present-day Cheval Blanc vineyards had vines at least as far back as the 18th century, as shown by Belleyme's map of the region dated 1764. Nearly a century later, the estate was acquired by the Fourcaud-Laussac family who owned it until 1998, when it was sold to Mr Bernard Arnault and Baron Albert Frère.
The vineyard is in a single block, and borders on the Pomerol appellation. An outstanding terror and unusual proportions of Cabernet Franc and Merlot give this great wine an absolutely unique flavor. Château Cheval Blanc has had a greater number of outstanding vintages than any other classified great growth over the past century.
Another unusual characteristic of Cheval Blanc is that once it reaches its peak, it maintains it for a very long time. This admirable wine is powerful, soft, rich, round and silky. It has tremendous fruit and elegance as well as exceptional quality from year to year.