Château Cheval Blanc 2025

Château Cheval Blanc lies on the edge of the Pomerol plateau in Saint-Émilion, sitting between two areas of very different style, which is mirrored in its blend of roughly equal Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The terroir is unusual for the appellation, a mix of gravel, sand and clay: the gravel ripens the late Cabernet Franc and gives aromatic lift and structure, while the clay holds water for the Merlot and brings flesh and richness, so the wine combines freshness and weight. The estate farms with respect for the land. Ageing runs to eighteen months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves softens the tannins and adds cedar, spice and a fine savoury depth without overwhelming the fruit. The colour is deep ruby. The nose leads with black fruit, plum and cherry, then liquorice, tobacco, violet and a touch of earth. The palate is full but silky, the Cabernet Franc lending perfume and freshness and the tannins fine-grained and long. This is a wine to cellar. Serve at 17 degrees, decanted ahead, with beef, lamb or game.