Le Petit Cheval 2010

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for Petit Cheval 2010

Tasting Notes

Appearance
The colour reveals deep garnet and dark crimson hues.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet stands out for its complexity, blending ripe black and red fruit aromas such as warm cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry and candied plum. These are joined by floral notes of violet, a touch of minerality, as well as nuances of mocha, white chocolate and cigar box. With time, notes of undergrowth and tobacco emerge.

Palate
The palate offers a silky, full-bodied texture, supported by ripe, rounded tannins. With lovely freshness and balanced acidity, the palate unfolds a generous richness that extends into a long, aromatic finish, marked by notes of spice, cooked fruit and tobacco.

Serving and Ageing

This 2010 vintage has significant ageing potential and can be enjoyed until around 2028.

The richness and elegance of a Saint-Émilion second wine

The Estate

Located in Bordeaux, France, Château Cheval Blanc was officially founded in 1832 by Jean-Jacques Ducasse. This estate stands out for its commitment to agroecology. Since 1998, the property has belonged to the LVMH group, led by Bernard Arnault, and to Baron Albert Frère. Under the direction of Pierre Lurton, the estate chose to withdraw from the Saint-Émilion classification in 2021 in order to focus on expressing its terroir.

The Vineyard

The vineyard is located within the Saint-Emilion appellation, on the border with Pomerol. It rests on a rare geological mosaic made up of almost equal parts clay and gravel, complemented by sand. The estate is divided into 56 distinct plots, managed according to sustainable practices including agroforestry and permanent ground cover. The grapes used for this cuvée come mainly from the property's sandy terroirs. Petit Cheval is the estate's second wine.

Winemaking and Ageing

The making of Petit Cheval 2010 relies on a rigorous selection process, representing around 20 to 30% of the estate's total production. Grapes from the different plots are vinified separately to preserve the identity of each terroir. The wine is then carefully aged in barrels, allowing for a harmonious integration of oak aromas while preserving the vibrancy of the fruit.

Grape Varieties

Merlot (53%), Cabernet Franc (47%).