Le Petit Cheval 2018

A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Le Petit Cheval rocks up with open-knit notes of crushed black raspberries, plum preserves and mulberries, plus hints of wild mushrooms, pencil lead, mossy tree bark and cloves. The medium to full-bodied palate is plush, juicy and pretty much ready for business, featuring plenty of earth and black fruit layers, finishing long with a spicy kick. Ten percent of the total production this year went into this second label of Cheval Blanc. I'd give it just another year or two in bottle to fan its tail out a little more and then drink it over the next 15-18 years.

Nicely focused, with a mix of red and black currant coulis notes laced with savory details and a fine chalky thread. There is tight-grained cedar on the finish, with lingering perfume as well. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2030. 872 cases made.

The second wine of Château Cheval Blanc, this is rich and structured in its own right. It offers powerful tannins as well as ripe, smoky fruitiness. Blackberry flavors vie with structured richness, always keeping a center of freshness. The wine will age well and should not be drunk before 2026.

This is sappy and bright, very light on its feet; an excellent second wine that is hard to argue with. A yield of 44hl/ha. The production split for this vintage was 74% Cheval Blanc, 10% Petit Cheval and 16% sold in bulk (including all of their press).

Beautiful aromas of bark, dried mushroom, berry and tile follow through to a full body with richness of fruit, creamy and ripe tannins and a flavorful finish. Needs two or three years to come around. Try after 2024.

70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. Barrel sample. Deepest cherry red. More scented than the Quinault L'Enclos just tasted. Very pretty, almost a touch floral, but still elegant. Black and dark-red fruit. Much more savoury on the palate, almost charry without being oaky. Silkiest of tannins, juicy and fresh. Lively, dancing. (JH)

The 2018 Le Petit Cheval has a pretty bouquet that demands some coaxing from the glass (indeed, I left the bottle a couple of hours to fully open). Blackberry and bilberry fruit, tobacco and light autumn leaf aromas gently unfold but never slip into fifth gear. The palate is medium-bodied with a leafy, slightly herbaceous entry that I personally like, though others seeking more fruit intensity might find it a little lean. But it is fresh and harmonious, and very classic in style, with residues of tobacco and bell pepper on the aftertaste.

Medium-bodied, elegant, floral and silky, this baby Cheval Blanc shows its sweet plum, cherry and licorice character from the get go. Round, plummy, forward and with a nice silk touch on the palate, this offers a lot Cheval character for a fraction of the price. Produced from a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, only 8% of the harvest was placed into the wine this year, so it is going to be difficult to find.

The 2018 La Petit Cheval comes from designated parcels and is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. It shares similarities with its big brother, with a complex, layered bouquet of red and black currants, ripe cherries, camphor, leafy tobacco, cedarwood and flowers. Beautifully textured, medium-bodied, and as elegant as they come on the palate, this gorgeous Saint-Emilion can be enjoyed at any time over the next 15–20 years. It’s one of the top second wines of the vintage.

70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. Deep purple garnet with a violet rim. A concentrated blackberry bouquet with hints of licorice and sour cherry juice. On the palate, a silky texture, fine-grained extract and good freshness. A tightly knit finish with a full basket of blue berries and refined minerality. It will be a pleasure to enjoy very soon.

Kunz Fassprobe 19: (70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc) A silky, delicate, floral bouquet with red berries, raspberry, mint, fresh herbs and toasty notes. The palate is velvety, creamy and medium-bodied, with sweet fruit, powdery tannins, a broad structure, sweet aromatics and a round finish.

(70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc) Silky, refined, floral bouquet with red berries, raspberries, mint, fresh herbs and toasted notes. Velvety, creamy, medium-bodied palate with sweet fruit, powdery tannins, a broad structure, sweet aromatics and a round finish. 17/20 2024 - 2036

Le Petit Cheval 2018 is deep garnet purple in color. It bursts with scents of warm blueberries, blackberry preserves, and eucalyptus, plus touches of lavender and dark chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is firm and grainy, with generous fruit and a spicy lift on the finish.

Stunning. The color is deep, almost opaque; the nose, bursting with red and black fruit, is complemented by notes of menthol, tonka bean, fragrant peony, and violet. The wine is very powerful without being overpowering, and its addictive floral signature unfurls on the palate with extraordinary velvety texture.

A very beautiful dark, youthful color. A superb, refined fruity nose with notes of raspberry and licorice, before giving way to a creamy touch. Smooth on the attack and rather full-bodied on the mid-palate, rich and flavorful, the wine constantly caresses the palate, leading to a long, graceful finish. It is superb.