Château Cheval Blanc Le Petit Cheval 2021

Château Cheval Blanc is one of the great estates of Bordeaux, sitting in Saint-Émilion on the edge of Pomerol. Le Petit Cheval is its second wine, classified as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru and blended from Merlot and Cabernet Franc in close to equal parts, the balance that defines the estate. The Right Bank gravel, clay and sand soils suit both grapes, with clay holding water for Merlot and the warmer gravel ripening Cabernet Franc. The maritime climate is moderated by the Atlantic and the rivers, giving a long ripening season. The wine is aged for eighteen months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannin and adds cedar and sweet spice, while the high Merlot proportion makes it approachable relatively young. The colour is deep ruby. The nose is refined, with redcurrant, blackberry and plum, cedar, violet and a graphite note. The palate is medium to full bodied, the tannins fine and polished, the acidity fresh and the finish long and savoury. Decant ahead and serve at around 17 degrees. It suits roast lamb, fillet of beef and game.