A perfectly stored bottle from the BB&R Family Reserves.
Wonderfully mature claret. Nose lovely dark fruit, cherry some blackberry with smokey cedar and dried flowers. Very elegant on the palate. Port Puri, cherry, blackcurrant. Some chocolate and leather. Very fresh and vibrant still. Nice long finish showing the complexity.
What was really awesome was trying this alongside the 1994 Ardanza which was already drinking well and being enjoyed by all. This just blew it out of the water. My WOTN as well as many others at the dinner.
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My third bottle of 7 bought from an impeccable source, this has delivered everytime. My favourite right bank estate, this vintage embodies the unique Merlot/Cabernet Franc profile of the wine. The nose is tertiary with beef blood and old leather aromas, with tell tale green bell pepper notes on the palate. With this bottle there was still some residual tannin on the finish that still needs to resolve, and prevented the extra half point. However, the finish is perfectly balanced and seamless.
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Animal skin & sweat. Leather. Clean after-image of fruit on the palate, hinting at berries. Ultra clean, beautiful finish. Totally integrated, a single straight line from sip to finish. Really pleasant.
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This is a very good example of 1989 Cheval. Maybe it’s luck or maybe this really is slowly improving over time. The palate is full of mineral, plum, and chocolate which collectively manage to counterbalance the slightly raw vegetal element on the nose (it seems like the Cabernet Franc had trouble with ripeness). Yet the whole package hangs together as an enjoyable wine.
Second bottle of 7, and last tasted a year ago, this has improved in the interim and has lost its tannic edge end palate and on the finish. In a word, it is magnificent, and half the price of the exquisite 1990. It is unmistakably Cheval Blanc with the Merlot and Cabernet Franc strutting their stuff. Everything is in perfect harmony with a deeply aromatic nose, silky mouthfeel, and a finish that is astounding. It is faultless in its balance with the tannin perfectly integrated. What a dark horse! Do decant for an hour at this point. The only downside is that it starts to fade after a couple of hours.
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A pour from the bottom of the bottom reveals a murky ruby color with significant reflections of garnet and lots of fading at the rim. On the nose this is about as classic as it gets, still very much alive, offering up aromas of dried blackcurrants, dried red cherries, worn leather, ripe fresno peppers, tobacco, black walnuts and smoke. Medium bodied on the palate but very spirited with bright acidity and a touch of tannin framing lively red fruit, sous bois, and tobacco flavors. I don't see much reason to continue to age this but I'd suspect it would hold for a few more years.
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St. Emilion night (Chicago, IL): I was really excited about trying this wine, but I don't think it lived up to my very high expectations. The nose shows a little dirty and unclean, with a slight hint of brett and a lot more leather and earthy tones than I'd have expected. The fruit is a little faded and not precise, and while the texture is silky like the 1995, this doesn't have the intensity and concentration of the younger wine. I'm thinking this may not have been a perfect bottle, and while it was good, this was overshadowed by both the 1989 Angelus and Troplong Mondot (yeah, right?!).
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Pre La Paulée Dinner with friends (Home): A special Bordeaux that is fully mature and gorgeously at peak. Ethereal fruit that is complex in all the typical ways but had an intense floral note that was special.
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Mature, but still offers up a lot of pleasure. Slightly faded red fruits with earthy appeal and excellent notes of cedar, cigar, and dusty woodsy elements. Cork was in ok shape, but dried out and somewhat crumbly. Clearly beat out the 1989 and 1990 Lafite served along side.
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Took this to dinner and it was the highlight of the evening. Opened around 30 minutes before drinking and decanted before serving to remove sediment. Thought it was fantastic right out of the gate. Really plush, round mouthfeel with tannins well integrated and delicious ripe fruit; no sense of being stewed or over sweet at all. Dinner was excellent but the enjoyment from our wine glasses trumped everything else.
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An excellent showing for this wine with lovely maturation on the nose and an incredibly silky-fine texture. Compared to the '90, this has a similar flavor profile with notes of grilled nuts and truffles though not nearly as ripe or voluptuous. A bit lean with a slightly vegetal character but it doesn't really take away from the beautiful layered and complex finish. At Commanderie dinner, Vestry, NYC.
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This is a wine that should be judged on its end result rather an analysis of its individual components. What comes out at the end is a glorious rich hedonistic experience and I can only endorse Sean Tay's great analysis. This is a real dark horse and at half the price of the superlative 1990 deserves attention. The nose is outstanding with rich red berry fruits with hints of vanilla. On the palate there is a perfect balance of fruit and tannin. The latter is a little intrusive, but once the finish evolves it is forgotten. The Cabernet Franc shows itself end palate and on the finish.
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Aromatically this holds up to the very best examples of Cheval I’ve had. On the palate, a bit more austere and less voluptuous than some of the more highly regarded vintages from the 80s (e.g., 82, 83, 90), with a firmer structure that seems to beg for a bit more time in the bottle. No doubt this is still excellent wine at this stage though, ripe and silky, drinking really well, with a long life ahead.
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My 2nd Cheval Blanc (had the 82 a few months ago). This was from a different cellar, and a really clean bottle at that.
The wine was PnP, perfect cork, and followed over about 3 hours. Initially, pretty coiled in on itself, with dark fruits, some black cherry, violet florals. It opens to more blue and black fruits, not a ton of tertiary things. Silky on the palate with ample acidity and good density/weight, but not a long finish. It opens up nicely - I suppose this has 10 more years in bottle to improve.
I had a mini vertical consisting vintage 1982, 1989, 1996 and 1998. The overall impression for the 4 vintages are well make and in fact a marvelous vintage with good ratings.
1982 had pronounced notes of mushroom, truffle, spices, earth, toast, cooked black fruits and berries. On the palate, the acidity is medium and tannin is also medium. It's very smooth on the mouthfeel and personally feel that its tired and will not improve. Should drink up now to enjoy maximum pleasure. Rated 2/4
1989 was the WOTN. It had the most pronounced nose with mushroom, truffle, cooked black and red fruits, toast. Medium+ acidity and medium tannin. Tannin is fully integrated. This was how I will want to drink for a just about right Bordeaux wine, still have fruits and with tertiary and secondary notes. Rated 1/4
1996 still feel tight to me. With medium nose intensity and with similar notes with 1998 but less concentrated. Notes of black fruits, spices, toast, vanilla. Medium+ acidity and tannin. To enjoy 1996, I suggest to decant or cellar. Or perhaps I got bottle variation, most of the 1996 that i drank are performing beautifully. Rated 4/4
1998 is of the best vintage for right bank. Pronounced nose with strong black fruits, cassis, black cherry, vanilla, pencil, toast. Still very fruit dominated. Medium+ acidity and tannin. Probably only starting on its drinking cycle, will only get better. Rated 3/4.
End of year dinner: A seductive nose that retained some earthiness of a Bordeaux. Soft tannins, it had a lovely roundness to the mouthfeel. Some sweetness and caramel notes that led others to Italy I think, but I guessed right bank Bordeaux because of the sheer stuffing that it had. Such rich and opulent wine but with a lot of tenderness at the same time, an absolute blockbuster.
It is always great to have a Cheval Blanc, the unique combination of cab franc and merlot brings a completely different perspective than the other left banks on the table.
It had the great honey toned nose with red cherry and a bit of anise. On the palate fully resolved with a lot of great acidity. It just lacked a tiny bit of intensity that I would have loved from Cheval but it is hard to argue against what it already delivers.
Double decanted before the restaurant and then a pnp although it was of course continuing to open in the glass and ongoing. Lovely wine. Got some heft with time. Darker fruits but also a bit of spice and that just the hint of the vegetal which makes it a more interesting wine.
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Tasted from 5L, amazing perfumed aromatics of Asian spice, cedar and currants, still vibrant with well integrated tannins, mouth coating and a long finish
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A nose that was initially bright on the fruit and then on leather and dried flowers.
The palate is still very young and fruity. If the material may seem slightly behind, we keep a nice acidity which gives it energy. The particularity of this wine is its powerful finish. For once, we can easily imagine a galloping horse. It's very enveloping, on cedar and tobacco and it literally explodes with a lot of race and fullness.
The origin of the bottle certainly explains its youth and its fullness: bought en primeur, it had never moved from its cellar.
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Bottle breathe for 2 hours, and decant for 30 min before serving. Sexy nose with raspberry, tea and herb, still good amount of fruit, with integrated tannin. Best after 2 hours in the glass, which shows complexity and long finishing.
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Decanted for two hours as initially quite tight. Very attractive profile of rich blackcurrant and plum with a sweet leafy character and notes of graphite and tobacco - great balance such that the wine is plush but without sacrificing elegance. Still a little tight, I think this has room to improve further *****
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Full and dense ruby to deep garnet. Initially a very expensive, rich Madeira nose when decanted. After 90 mins this shapes to a classic cab-franc led nose with depth and elegance. Rich, rounded and full-textured on the attack. Lots of mid palate volume and complexity. Long. A lovely bottle. The green pepper notes add a freshness to the finish. More consistent and steady than a bottle a couple of months ago that came and went a bit through the evening — this one beautifully consistent. Beautiful now, but will probably develop and hold further. *****
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Deep garnet. Leather and smoke on the nose. On the palate, a bit of smokey vegetal spices with hints of black fruit. Quite savoury towards the end with some length. Tannins still present. Sensing it is past its peak, but still great for a while, drink up.
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30 Vintages of Cheval Blanc: All tasted blind. 1982 to 2015 (with 1949 in the mix). The wines are fragrant, perfumed, seductive and always soft and without weight. Best performing vintages: the rather hot/ripe vintages 2015, 2009 and 1982 (all complex, seductive, complete and with elevated concentration). Next best: the promising and pure 2010, the still sexy 1990 and the immortal 1949. Notable outperformer: 2011 with many other good off-vintages. Notable underperformer: 2005, 2000, 1998 which all showed rather muted and not yet ready.
TN: I really like the nose here with a lot of stingy toasted oak, the most of all vintages. Same aromas on the palate along coffee, burnt sugar and nice red fruit. A bit disappointing in terms of depth and length given the much lauded 89 vintage, so not really one to chase but not bad either.
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Brick rim, smoke, vegetal notes, minerality, cherries and tar dominate this high acid wine. After so many years, still a tannic chewy monster. No idea when this will start fading bot those who have bottles tucked away can enjoy them now and the following 2 decades.
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Top 89 Bordeaux (Noizé, London): Mid to full bright garnet. Gorgeous nose. A touch of Madeira cake with a green spine. Cedar, mellow plummy fruit. A lot of nuance here. Relatively dry and savoury on the finish. Lots to enjoy. Some green olive and pepper too. Sweetens up with food, and then over an hour or two evolves to a pronounced ground coffee before pulling together a bit. ****1/2
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Last Tuesday Supper Club (One Penny Red, Summer Hill): leather, tobacco, sweet spice, cedar, very slight black fruit; a little plum, earthy. On the palate it's densely savoury, almost beef extract, a little plum, leather, tannins are chamois soft and persistent, all travel long.
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7 Bordeaux from the 1980s include 3 from 1982 (Yan's China Bistro, Walnut Creek, Ca.): Wine Group Lunch, Nose of black cherry, black cherry tart, Bing Cherry, spring flowers, and a touch of cigar box, same on the palate, big body, elegant, very tasty, mouth filling fruit with layers of subtle complexity, at peak, and will hold for 20 years, great legs in the glass, and a long, long finish. Added photo.
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1989 Bordeaux - 30 years on. (Famous Treasure, Capitol Piazza, Singapore): The first bottle was sadly corked, thankfully the back-up showed really nicely. While clearly not from one of the very greatest vintages, this was a solid Cheval Blanc that drank very nicely on the night. The nose was pure Cheval Blanc, with typically reserved notes of subtle dark cherries and berries alongside drifts of tobacco leaves, earth and fragrant cigarette smoke, maybe a bit of violet florals at the side. The palate had that same noble reserve as well, with fine acidity and filigreed tannins framing clean, clear, very pure notes of cassis and dark berries. This were joined on the midpalate by more of those earthy, smoky tobacco tones, all this trailing away into an elegant finish, again haunted by a hint of floral perfume. A spare, elegant wine at first blush, but also showing a nice depth and authority underneath all of that. Nice, and drinking well now too - I cannot help feeling this will get better with a few more years under its belt though.
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Still bright ruby, you would never place this at 30 years old. Wow. The nose, the nose, the nose. Fragrant and floral. Just a delight Balance and harmony on the palatte. Nothing out of place. A wonderful wine.
Served by ST at his parents 40th anniversary.
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All war would end if the perfume of this wine could be misted daily over the planet: clean linen, violets, road tar, charred staves, plum pastry. In the mouth, a classic iron fist in velvet glove, silky tannins, decanted 2 hours and ready to drink, but solid for 20+ years, finish is long and leaves a subtle impression of cherry heering liqueur. Absolutely elegant.
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I sitt 29ende år har Cheval Blanc 1989 fortsatt en ungdommelig og livlig kraft. Særlig er fruktkvaliteten imponerende, med høy konsentrasjon og en usedvanlig fet sødme i midtpartiet. Etter en runde med luft så dukker det opp intense aromaer av krydderier som anis og fenikkelfrø, samt grillet paprika. Vinen fremstår som langt yngre en alderen skulle tilsi. Holdbar stil og høy kvalitet. De beste eksemplarene av denne vil tåle et lang liv vidre. En sjenerøs vin med mye nerve.
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Really lovely bright and vibrant wine. The other two Bordeaux on the table were from the 60's and can see that this was younger. Decanted and it felt a bit more open for business right from the start (in retrospect should have decanted all 3). Dark fruits, a touch of smoke, very tasty.
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Given the producer and the vintage, perhaps I was expecting more. Begins with a beautiful fragrant nose. Tannins fully resolved on a lovely fruit filled palate. This wine misses being truly great because of low acidity. Fully mature, this wine will remain on an extended plane of maturity, but it's unlikely to significantly improve. Finishes a little short for a wine of this pedigree. Reminds me of the 1982. 1985 remains my favorite vintage of Cheval Blanc.
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The nose on this wine was worth a 9.2 alone. I could have sat in the corner huffing the wine for the entire night. Dried cherries, pipe tobacco and earth. One of those noses where you feel like you're transported back to the Chateau and are right in the middle of the vineyard. Wine poured a darker maroon, full to the meniscus. The entry of this wine was rather dense. Middle went to a brambled type of presentation, tar, earth, but still retaining that ever copious cherry. Finish was quite impressive. I will say that this one tasted like it was 5 to 10 years old and could last another 20 years or so. Incredible wine.
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With more concentration, this would rock. It has the silky, exotic textures, complex nose that marries cedar, tobacco, cigar box, floral, cherry and plum notes, but the lack of depth and length keeps it from earning a higher score. This is probably at full maturity. It should remain here for at least another decade or 2.
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Nose is very classic Cheval, with plum, red berries, tobacco, and herbs, plus smoky green pepper. Palate has a velvety texture with plum and berry fruit, plus more smoke and herbs. Somewhat sweet and slightly chocolatey. Tannins are mostly resolved, but acidity is relatively high, so wine remains quite fresh. Mid-palate is slightly thin, but finish is relatively long. To me, this is a nice example of richness without power. This is soft, seductive, lovely drinking, even if it lacks the intellectual delight of the greatest CBs. Worth 1.5 to 2 hours in the decanter and has significant life ahead. There is palpable, though not substantial, remaining phenolic structure, so this wine may develop slightly further.
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Bordeaux 1989 blind tasting, wine #5: Cheval Blanc is located close to the Pomerol border, this part of St-Emilion is geologically different from the eastern bigger part. One of few Cabernet Franc dominated wines in Bordeaux.
Feminine seductive masterpiece with mesmerizing complex nose, dulce de leche, caramel, white chocolate, nougat, citrus tones, iron, blood orange, baked pepper. Fresh acidity, destined for a long life, just beautiful!!! 6 votes.
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Such a beautiful style of wine, but it lacks concentration and depth of flavor. Still, it's hard not to enjoy the soft, silky, earthy, ripe, red berries, tobacco, flowers and tobacco in the perfume, or the elegant, soft plums and herbs in the finish. This is fully mature and while there is no urgency to drink it, it will not gain much for further aging.
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My first Cheval Blanc so was obviously a very exciting moment. On the nose I got plum, some cigar box, mint which evolved into green bell pepper. Nice texture with nice ripe and smooth tannins. More plum and mocca om the taste. In my view though the green bell pepper-character from the Cabernec Franc was a bit too much. Dominanted the nose completely while I would have preferred greater balance from the merlot. Having said that it was a profoundly complex wine that kept evolving in the glass. Several years more for this wine but all in all for me too much Cab Franc on the nose.
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The 89 is nice, but it's not my favorite Cheval as the Merlot doesn't feel as though it's completely ripened and the Cabernet Franc really takes center stage. Still, it has some very appealing, exotic Chevalish spice and chocolate. This is a much better bottle than I had a few years ago and, ultimately, it's a lovely wine.
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Good medium garnet with still-decent legs. Textbook aged Bordeaux nose with pencil shavings and red fruit. Very robust, no sign of decline. In the mouth this is excellent. All tannins resolved, menthol, mint and lovely silky fruit, all quite elegant. This is at peak maturity, with no indication of imminent decline. It is sweet and oh so lovely to drink. Sweet spot! 4-13-17-9: 93/100.
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Opened an hour then decanted 30 minutes before serving and what a wine! Wonderful bouquet of dried floral, spice, dry currants and plums, subtle earthy tones, palate is smooth and elegant, yet so fresh, persistent and dynamic with a terrific complex finish that makes you want more and more........
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Château Cheval Blanc vertical tasting dinner #1 (Vienna Cafe & Wine Bar): Moved in and out all night. When it was on, it was really on. Red fruits, some damp earth, cedar, herbs, and espresso. Moderate tannins. Some spiciness noted on the finish. Didn't put on much weight throughout the night. One of the most enchanting noses of the night. Still has some years left in the tank, but the inconsistency throughout the night leads me to wonder how long.
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Dinner (Quince, San Francisco): Medium ruby with some bricking; elegant nose with some floral, earthy, very elegant, slight spice; palate is full bodied, integrated tannin, blackberry fruit; finish is medium length. Very nice and elegant, but I was expecting more cabernet franc green and a bit more aromatic conplexity. 91 With 30 minutes of air this developed great aromatic complexity with more spice, nutmeg, great complexity; palate is very nice and elegant. A step up from before. 92
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A beautiful wine. Floral overtones on the nose. The wine had shed its tannins and it was quite soft with its fruit was in in perfect balance. Great long finish. This wine still has time. We drank it alongside an 89 Angelus matched with pheasant smothered in black truffles. The Angelus was every bit the equal of the Cheval. The two wines and the dish really complimented each other very well.
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Fully mature, this is slightly more interesting on the nose, with its earthy, spicy, floral and red fruit character, than on the soft, silky, medium bodied palate. The red fruit have complexity but there is a slight rustic feeling in the end note and a touch of green that takes away from the overall experience.
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St Emillion First Growths (Chez Bruce, London): Nicely rich and plush in an elegant and understated way on the nose. Nicely mineral. Some mid-palate flesh and then a long finish. A green-tinged tobacco freshness. Harmonious. Long with just a pinch of sweetness to the fruit on the finish. *****
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zeer geslaagde uitvoering, mooie klassieke neus, licht wat riool, put lucht, mooi dierlijk, kruidig, donkere tonen, mooie balans, heerlijk nu te drinken, kan nog wel even mee
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At Ai Fiori in NYC, after two "bigger" styled reds Togni and Quilceda, decanted for about 15 minutes, drank over 45 minutes.
Light ruby/crimson color, mild bricking. Not much sediment in this bottle, clean cork, well stored. Nose of herbs, red fruits, caramel, burnt sugar. Elegant and "feminine" palate with dusted old red fruits, herbs, rhubarb, tobacco. Smooth and seductive, tannins resolved.
The wine is fully mature and ready to drink - great balance and finesse. This bottle was showing some signs of age but seems to have a good arc of drink-ability ahead of it. Really special experience for fans of well aged Bordeaux...
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Cheval Blanc tasting (30 different vintages) at the Rheingau Gourmet Festival 2014: rubin red color; cherry and pomme de granate; light body; somewhat a little unbalanced.
Vintages 1st flight: 1985-1986-1988-1989-1990
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1980's Bordeaux Dinner (Arlington Club, NY): Much more feminine than any other wine we drank tonight. Tighter on the palate. Finishes shorter than the others. It still is a great wine thought. Good extract, finesse and balance.
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Sunday Brown Bag Tasting: Paloma Syrah Vertical (Our house): Light crimson color. Notes of red berries and roasted herbs, a touch weedy/vegetal. Balanced, with nice red fruit, earth and herb qualities. A little bit thin and short across the midpalate and finish. 89 for me, 88 for Domino.
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Bordeaux 1989 Horizontal Tasting (Zurich): Intensive red. Nose of berries with mineralic notes. Very well integrated and smooth tannins. Raspberries, tobacco combined with a fresh acidity. This is an elegant wine with plenty of life ahead. Drink now - 2030
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Super Tasting 3 of 6 - Dave's Epic Dinner (Kitchener, Ontario): Nose of caramel, pyrazene, macciato, quite stemmy with graphite, and chocolate. Palate shows pyrazene, caramel, blackfruit and spice with a long finish dominated by dried black fruit, coffee and caramel
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Dave's Super Tasting (3 of 6) (Dave's House): Strikingly young and oaky. Very Primary wine with loads of high quality coffee, caramel, and toasty oak. Touches of herbs, greenness, graphite, and iron. This still has signs of life ahead but I don't think it will ever be classic. Palate replays the caramel and shows prunes and dates on the finish. Fruit profile is almost a bit port like. Good now and for a more mature expression should hang in a while yet.
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Super Tasting 3 of 6; Dave Does a Mixed Bag (Dave's House): Popped and poured, followed approximately 1 hour. Deep garnet, with a moderate brick at the rim. On the nose, dried red fruits, currants, cigar, leather, dried herbs, coffee grinds, undergrowth, earth, grass clippings, overlaid by a caramel/toffee note. On the palate, quite rich and sweet, moderate acid, with a slight grip of unresolved tannin on the finish. A nice wine, but falls short of expectations, given the pedigree.
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Didn't know what to expect since user tasting notes were somewhat underwhelming but we were all blown away. Beautiful perfume on the nose, slight brick color. Great balance, but profound depth of flavor and a very long finish. Smooth as silk, a monumental wine.
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Some tartness on the nose, richer and rounder. Some noted a bit flawed perhaps a little flat, not long. I liked it, but the consensus was short. By the end of the nightsome thought it was flabby. I disagreed, and it was 3rd out of 4 for me, pretty special
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Ryan's Birthday/Grand Hyatt HK/ Jeroboam and 75 cl: brick hue, concentrated plum red. Mushroom, old black currant, slight minty- cedar. Full and rich mouth feel. Very round and long finish. Beautiful...
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Pretty good color still a little bricking at the edges Great funky nose, cellar floor, mushroom, balsamic vinegar Soft tannins, good texture, med red fruits medium finish
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More mature on the nose than the '98. Notes of vegetables, mushrooms, damp forest floor. Peppers, dill pickle, mushrooms and underbrush on the palate. Nice velvety texture. Medium plus finish.
SS 91pts.
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CT Wisconsin Offline 2; 10/5/2012-10/6/2012 (Madison, WI): Medium cranberry color. Nose of mushroom and forest floor. More lively on the palate, with sweet fruit along with the funk. Great balance, a classy old Bordeaux. Base neck fill, a bit of dried seepage under the capsule.
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89/90 Bordeaux Retrospective with Hart Davis Hart: Bonus bottle served without the corresponding '90. Quince meets dark chocolate on the nose. Good fruit here, but it picks up a slightly rancio note on the palate that I dislike. Drying tannin. I don't think the bottle was off. I wasn't all that impressed.
4-
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Lots of cedar, spice, berries and exotic fruit followed by earthy and tobacco notes. One of the best in our recent 1989 Bordeaux tasting. Elegant, silky but not quite as powerful as expected. Came in second in our tasting, with Lynch-Bages 89 (97 points) as the winner.
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Saturday Tasting Group (Knightsbridge Wine Shop (Northbrook, IL)): Surprised this was a Cheval - kind of underwhelmed for such a great wine in a strong vintage. Molasses, savory soy, purple and rustic red cherry. Serious cola and earth. Worcestershire, spice. Leather, tobacco, classic Bordeaux styling. Pencil lead and graphite. Black and green olive. Palate is bigger and drying. Big tannin structure kind of got in the way in my opinion. Green vegetal play some tomato leaf action. Enjoyable and elegant. Fairly advanced for an '89 Cheval hence the reduced score.
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Nose of blackpepper, veru ripe blackcurrent and hints of red pepper (or shall I say poivron), so typical of cabernet franc, hints of truffle. In the mouth, the wine is velvety, with ripe fruits (cherry ?) laced with tobacco, hints of cocoa and leather, and still those truffle hints. However, it is not the explosion and intensity one could expect from such a trophy bottle. Flavours are perfect, but cocncentrtaion is a tad short. I can't feel any vibrant emotion there. Since this one was tasted blind, there was no prejudice.
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Downtown Dan Beats Cancer! (Konte's): Very little has changed with this one in the last 3 years. Took 30 minutes to show. Elegantly perfumed with berries and spice, leather, little bit of brett, and pencil lead. Delicate and feminine palate with the slightest dusty tannins on the finish. Great acidity and rather fresh still. While it won't get better, this showed very nice.
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Showing some brickish color on the edges. Exotic aged bordeaux nose of black fruit, cedar, spice, vanilla and a hint of earth - very reminiscent of a Lafite. Tobacco notes emerge after a couple of hours. Very intense, rich, black cherry and spice on the palate. Nicely balanced with slightly drying tannins and good acidity. Silky smooth and medium to full bodied. Adds weight and complexity with some airtime. I found it to be a fascinating combination of richness and elegance - absolutely delicious!
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Similar to last bottle, this shows a lot of green pepper in the bouquet and has a green streak that runs through the palate. This has such an amazing structure and acidity to it. It put on a fuller mid-palate while eating and paired very well with kobe beef. Drank with a 1995 Opus One which provided an interesting contrast.
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Elegant Cheval Blanc. This one is no big or fruity but with delicate tannins. Pretty lean and flat in mouth, but got better a little with time. Not a blockbuster Cheval Blanc.
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Considering the vintage and the great success enjoyed by many properties from the Right Bank, is slightly disappointing. Light in color, with flowers, herbs, cherries and smoke aromas. Elegant and silky, and filled with finesse, but, unfortunately, also quite light. The finish was short in the mid palate as well. If this were a quarter of the price, I’d be thrilled; yet, for Cheval Blanc, all I can say is that it’s no 1990.
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Aromatically - Tabasco sauce and other related chili-powder. Must be a characteristic that is formed from immature phenolics. The palate had predominantly chili notes with a silky texture of tannin and lasting flavor. Notable only because of its pedigree if it were anything else I am not sure I would have taken the effort to take notes on it.
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Dark garnet core fading out to clear at the rim. Strong bouquet of green bell pepper and red berries followed by notes of cedar and caramel. Nice entry with a smooth mid-palate that stays focused along the center of the tongue. The flavor profile is similar to the bouquet but with a lot less green pepper. This was at its very best at the dinner table where the balanced acidity really shows how fresh and alive this is. It was a joy to taste in between bites. Very nice finish too. [93-94]
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Donker rood, iets vertekening, neus is mooi open en geeft cederhout, rijp rood fruit, aardsheid, champignons, complexiteit. smaak is rijk en mooi vloeiend, zelfs licht romig met mooie balans en veel diepgang, elegante klasse met complexiteit, beter dan de eerdere flessen
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Disappointment against an Ausone and Lafite. This stayed closed the entire time we had it. Nose was promising with tobacco/coffee but mouth didn't fit. No great length.
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Celebrated a new cellar with this bottle, as well as a few others. Initial nose of barnyard funk, cedar, and pencil lead. Hints of black fruits sneak out every once in a while, but it's mostly secondary characteristics. The palate is as elegant as I would hope for. Nice black cherry up front with black tea, sawdust, and some damp earth. This one fleshed out a bit after open for an hour or so. Some gorgeous eucalyptus notes, fresh berries, hints of bell pepper and spices. The palate is also a hint richer and shows some tannin structure still present. Nicely balanced acidity finishes this beauty. Probably at or near maturity.
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Lunch at Chez Bruce (Chez Bruce, London): Lunch @ Chez Bruce with david wainwright First claret of the lunch. ruby color with a little bowning around edges...lead pencil and some dark berry flavors. good balance coating the mouth . med length. very nice drink nd still many years ahead of it
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Cheval Blanc Vertical (Craftsteak): A sweet, nutty bouquet but relatively faint. A powerhouse in the mouth, very dark in profile with a grip that sticks, and sticks, and sticks . . . more from its fundamental sappiness than the tannin, which is actually pretty soft and graceful. The fruit is marked by a compote-like sur-maturite but the minty finish adds freshness. All that said, this needs more time for the terroir to out. There is still a lot of young, primary fruit here that will need to evolve before the signatures of Cheval Blanc make their appearance.
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Tasting Group Dinner w/ Paul Jaouen (Brad's House, Minneapolis): Deep red, with no visible bricking. Smoky black fruit, minerals, tobacco, roasted meat, and mushooms. Nice finesse. Medium weight. At first I thought this was spectacular, but it faded a bit in the glass. (And then I broke the glass, but that's a different story!) Still, a very good showing for this wine.
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Paul Jaouen Does Minneapolis (Mugnier, Leroy, Papet, La Las, Pavillon, Celestins, Cheval, Latour, Palmer): Popped, decanted, and poured. I thought this showed much better than the last bottle we had. The nose is divine -- a blend of red fruit and expresso with good intensity and lots of complexity. In the mouth this is medium weight but has excellent presence and is very elegant. Red fruit and mineral dominate the taste. Good structure. Fully resolved tannins. Great length. Second for WOTN behind the La Mouline for me.
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nog mooi rood, geur is sigarenkistje en duidelijk zwarte bes. frisse neus, smaak is nog fris met prettige zuren en heerlijk drinkbaar. elegant en vrouwelijke indrukken. nog proefbare tannines.
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rood in kleur, Geur is rijp en elegant, fruitig met war rijpingstonen, iets aards met mooie tabaktoon. Smaak is zijde zacht met prachtige balans en elegantie.
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NobleRottersSydney - First Growth Night (Guillaume at Bennelong): These wines were served as a pair [with the 88], and perhaps confirmed the relative merits of the two vintages. The 1989 offered a medium intensity aged nose of mushroom, graphite and a pleasant compost note. The palate was dry, with low-medium acidity and medium weight powdery tannins. There are leafy-but-ripe developed fruit flavours, with cedar & wood-spice which follow the path indicated by the nose. This wine is not exactly lavish; it’s somewhat boney and restrained, yet the balance is good across the palate, tailing off a little at the very back. With a medium length dusty dry finish, and medium weight body, it would appear to be at, or just past, its peak.
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rode kleur. geur is rijp rood fruit, volle neus met rijke complexe tonen, mooie houtinvloed. smaak is vol en wat romig, erg soepel met veel indrukken. Goed rijp glas op zijn top.hele rijpe zachte tannines en een mooie rijke structuur. lange fraaie afdronk
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Cheval Blanc with Brad England and Scott Manlin: The color is reddish-orange, and the wine looks a little thin. This has a very enticing nose dominated by red fruit but is a little subdued. This is medium bodied in the mouth and well balanced. This wine is not nearly as concentrated as some of the other wines tasted, but is very elegant with a nice lingering finish. Drinking very well and a great way to start out the night.
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A very similar appearance to the 1986. Lovely nose – very refined with a good, pure, blackcurrant streak. Very elegant on the palate, with a silky, chocolatey mouthfeel. Very fresh (possibly a touch high-toned?) on the palate. Impressive. Very Good Indeed/Excellent.
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Dinner at Rubicon and a surreal pre-tasting (San Francisco, CA): Wow, this was a beauty with a high-toned, spicy nose. Initially it showed dusty lead pencil notes, but this kep building and opening with licorice, mint, ginger, and Asian 5-spice. The palate screams of Bordeaux with excellent structure, mineral and gravel. A spicy, exotic wine. Hmm, I think that Cheval Blanc is starting to grow on me...
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Light in color, flowers, herbs, cherries and smoke aromas. Medium bodied. Very elegant, but unfortunately, also very light. The finish was short with little mid palate
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12/25/03 at Nancy's house. Still a fine rich color. Rich nose, very fine. Mouthfilling, feminine, rich. Excellent. The tannins are sweet. 5-12-16-8-91/100.
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Dark red colour with slight browning at the rim. Jam and red fruits on the nose. Adequate structure, but seems to lack fruit and density. A nice wine that is easily consumed. And the aftertaste is quite pleasant, but one just wishes for a little bit more of everything.
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At Singer & Foy survey of '89 Bordeaux. Medium ruby color. Sweetish, perfumed, fleshpot nose. Fairly exotic. Palate is unique and very refined and elegant. Pretty and extremely drinkable already. Complex and rich. Lovely wine. 5-11-18-8: 92/100.
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3/25/2024 - johnh1001 wrote: 95 Points
Super expressive. Love the fruit. A touch green compared to the 1990 next to it.
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3/14/2024 - remyworldpeace Likes this wine: 98 Points
A perfectly stored bottle from the BB&R Family Reserves.
Wonderfully mature claret. Nose lovely dark fruit, cherry some blackberry with smokey cedar and dried flowers. Very elegant on the palate. Port Puri, cherry, blackcurrant. Some chocolate and leather. Very fresh and vibrant still. Nice long finish showing the complexity.
What was really awesome was trying this alongside the 1994 Ardanza which was already drinking well and being enjoyed by all. This just blew it out of the water. My WOTN as well as many others at the dinner.
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3/10/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine: 97 Points
My third bottle of 7 bought from an impeccable source, this has delivered everytime. My favourite right bank estate, this vintage embodies the unique Merlot/Cabernet Franc profile of the wine. The nose is tertiary with beef blood and old leather aromas, with tell tale green bell pepper notes on the palate. With this bottle there was still some residual tannin on the finish that still needs to resolve, and prevented the extra half point. However, the finish is perfectly balanced and seamless.
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12/3/2023 - 831900_ Likes this wine: 94 Points
Animal skin & sweat. Leather. Clean after-image of fruit on the palate, hinting at berries. Ultra clean, beautiful finish. Totally integrated, a single straight line from sip to finish. Really pleasant.
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11/19/2023 - englishman's claret wrote: 94 Points
This is a very good example of 1989 Cheval. Maybe it’s luck or maybe this really is slowly improving over time. The palate is full of mineral, plum, and chocolate which collectively manage to counterbalance the slightly raw vegetal element on the nose (it seems like the Cabernet Franc had trouble with ripeness). Yet the whole package hangs together as an enjoyable wine.
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10/14/2023 - djhammond Likes this wine: 97 Points
Second bottle of 7, and last tasted a year ago, this has improved in the interim and has lost its tannic edge end palate and on the finish. In a word, it is magnificent, and half the price of the exquisite 1990. It is unmistakably Cheval Blanc with the Merlot and Cabernet Franc strutting their stuff. Everything is in perfect harmony with a deeply aromatic nose, silky mouthfeel, and a finish that is astounding. It is faultless in its balance with the tannin perfectly integrated. What a dark horse! Do decant for an hour at this point. The only downside is that it starts to fade after a couple of hours.
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5/23/2023 - wino_tim wrote: 94 Points
A pour from the bottom of the bottom reveals a murky ruby color with significant reflections of garnet and lots of fading at the rim. On the nose this is about as classic as it gets, still very much alive, offering up aromas of dried blackcurrants, dried red cherries, worn leather, ripe fresno peppers, tobacco, black walnuts and smoke. Medium bodied on the palate but very spirited with bright acidity and a touch of tannin framing lively red fruit, sous bois, and tobacco flavors. I don't see much reason to continue to age this but I'd suspect it would hold for a few more years.
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4/14/2023 - acyso wrote: 93 Points
St. Emilion night (Chicago, IL): I was really excited about trying this wine, but I don't think it lived up to my very high expectations. The nose shows a little dirty and unclean, with a slight hint of brett and a lot more leather and earthy tones than I'd have expected. The fruit is a little faded and not precise, and while the texture is silky like the 1995, this doesn't have the intensity and concentration of the younger wine. I'm thinking this may not have been a perfect bottle, and while it was good, this was overshadowed by both the 1989 Angelus and Troplong Mondot (yeah, right?!).
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3/1/2023 - Burgundy Al wrote: 94 Points
Pre-Paulee Warm-up Dinner (House of Nanda - Chicago IL): Very rich, slightly more mature than I expected/ hoped. Great spice and roasted meat notes. Lots here.
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3/1/2023 - Nanda wrote: 97 Points
Pre La Paulée Dinner with friends (Home): A special Bordeaux that is fully mature and gorgeously at peak. Ethereal fruit that is complex in all the typical ways but had an intense floral note that was special.
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3/1/2023 - KenK Likes this wine: 95 Points
Mature, but still offers up a lot of pleasure. Slightly faded red fruits with earthy appeal and excellent notes of cedar, cigar, and dusty woodsy elements. Cork was in ok shape, but dried out and somewhat crumbly. Clearly beat out the 1989 and 1990 Lafite served along side.
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2/24/2023 - MikePemulis Likes this wine: 97 Points
Took this to dinner and it was the highlight of the evening. Opened around 30 minutes before drinking and decanted before serving to remove sediment. Thought it was fantastic right out of the gate. Really plush, round mouthfeel with tannins well integrated and delicious ripe fruit; no sense of being stewed or over sweet at all. Dinner was excellent but the enjoyment from our wine glasses trumped everything else.
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1/12/2023 - dream Likes this wine: 95 Points
An excellent showing for this wine with lovely maturation on the nose and an incredibly silky-fine texture. Compared to the '90, this has a similar flavor profile with notes of grilled nuts and truffles though not nearly as ripe or voluptuous. A bit lean with a slightly vegetal character but it doesn't really take away from the beautiful layered and complex finish. At Commanderie dinner, Vestry, NYC.
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12/17/2022 - djhammond Likes this wine: 97 Points
This is a wine that should be judged on its end result rather an analysis of its individual components. What comes out at the end is a glorious rich hedonistic experience and I can only endorse Sean Tay's great analysis. This is a real dark horse and at half the price of the superlative 1990 deserves attention. The nose is outstanding with rich red berry fruits with hints of vanilla. On the palate there is a perfect balance of fruit and tannin. The latter is a little intrusive, but once the finish evolves it is forgotten. The Cabernet Franc shows itself end palate and on the finish.
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10/19/2022 - joshabramson Likes this wine: 95 Points
Aromatically this holds up to the very best examples of Cheval I’ve had. On the palate, a bit more austere and less voluptuous than some of the more highly regarded vintages from the 80s (e.g., 82, 83, 90), with a firmer structure that seems to beg for a bit more time in the bottle. No doubt this is still excellent wine at this stage though, ripe and silky, drinking really well, with a long life ahead.
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2/18/2022 - jviz wrote: 95 Points
My 2nd Cheval Blanc (had the 82 a few months ago). This was from a different cellar, and a really clean bottle at that.
The wine was PnP, perfect cork, and followed over about 3 hours. Initially, pretty coiled in on itself, with dark fruits, some black cherry, violet florals. It opens to more blue and black fruits, not a ton of tertiary things. Silky on the palate with ample acidity and good density/weight, but not a long finish. It opens up nicely - I suppose this has 10 more years in bottle to improve.
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1/2/2022 - Sean Tay Likes this wine: 98 Points
I had a mini vertical consisting vintage 1982, 1989, 1996 and 1998. The overall impression for the 4 vintages are well make and in fact a marvelous vintage with good ratings.
1982 had pronounced notes of mushroom, truffle, spices, earth, toast, cooked black fruits and berries. On the palate, the acidity is medium and tannin is also medium. It's very smooth on the mouthfeel and personally feel that its tired and will not improve. Should drink up now to enjoy maximum pleasure. Rated 2/4
1989 was the WOTN. It had the most pronounced nose with mushroom, truffle, cooked black and red fruits, toast. Medium+ acidity and medium tannin. Tannin is fully integrated. This was how I will want to drink for a just about right Bordeaux wine, still have fruits and with tertiary and secondary notes. Rated 1/4
1996 still feel tight to me. With medium nose intensity and with similar notes with 1998 but less concentrated. Notes of black fruits, spices, toast, vanilla. Medium+ acidity and tannin. To enjoy 1996, I suggest to decant or cellar. Or perhaps I got bottle variation, most of the 1996 that i drank are performing beautifully. Rated 4/4
1998 is of the best vintage for right bank. Pronounced nose with strong black fruits, cassis, black cherry, vanilla, pencil, toast. Still very fruit dominated. Medium+ acidity and tannin. Probably only starting on its drinking cycle, will only get better. Rated 3/4.
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12/30/2021 - melvinyeowq Likes this wine:
End of year dinner: A seductive nose that retained some earthiness of a Bordeaux. Soft tannins, it had a lovely roundness to the mouthfeel. Some sweetness and caramel notes that led others to Italy I think, but I guessed right bank Bordeaux because of the sheer stuffing that it had. Such rich and opulent wine but with a lot of tenderness at the same time, an absolute blockbuster.
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12/30/2021 - Dibbs Likes this wine: 96 Points
It is always great to have a Cheval Blanc, the unique combination of cab franc and merlot brings a completely different perspective than the other left banks on the table.
It had the great honey toned nose with red cherry and a bit of anise. On the palate fully resolved with a lot of great acidity. It just lacked a tiny bit of intensity that I would have loved from Cheval but it is hard to argue against what it already delivers.
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12/5/2021 - MC2 Wines Likes this wine:
Double decanted before the restaurant and then a pnp although it was of course continuing to open in the glass and ongoing. Lovely wine. Got some heft with time. Darker fruits but also a bit of spice and that just the hint of the vegetal which makes it a more interesting wine.
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11/12/2021 - ricknat1 wrote: 94 Points
Gave 90 minutes to air needed 3 hours
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6/21/2021 - ShadowIII Likes this wine: 96 Points
Tasted from 5L, amazing perfumed aromatics of Asian spice, cedar and currants, still vibrant with well integrated tannins, mouth coating and a long finish
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3/27/2021 - ricknat1 Likes this wine: 94 Points
gorgeous, mature and drinking perfectly
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1/25/2021 - Benoit Hardy Likes this wine: 93 Points
A nose that was initially bright on the fruit and then on leather and dried flowers.
The palate is still very young and fruity. If the material may seem slightly behind, we keep a nice acidity which gives it energy. The particularity of this wine is its powerful finish. For once, we can easily imagine a galloping horse. It's very enveloping, on cedar and tobacco and it literally explodes with a lot of race and fullness.
The origin of the bottle certainly explains its youth and its fullness: bought en primeur, it had never moved from its cellar.
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9/28/2020 - LB88 wrote: 94 Points
Ready for prime time drinking. Beautiful right now.
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9/22/2020 - schan109 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Bottle breathe for 2 hours, and decant for 30 min before serving. Sexy nose with raspberry, tea and herb, still good amount of fruit, with integrated tannin. Best after 2 hours in the glass, which shows complexity and long finishing.
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3/13/2020 - MAOC wrote:
Decanted for two hours as initially quite tight. Very attractive profile of rich blackcurrant and plum with a sweet leafy character and notes of graphite and tobacco - great balance such that the wine is plush but without sacrificing elegance. Still a little tight, I think this has room to improve further *****
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1/8/2020 - SimonG wrote: 95 Points
Full and dense ruby to deep garnet. Initially a very expensive, rich Madeira nose when decanted. After 90 mins this shapes to a classic cab-franc led nose with depth and elegance. Rich, rounded and full-textured on the attack. Lots of mid palate volume and complexity. Long. A lovely bottle. The green pepper notes add a freshness to the finish. More consistent and steady than a bottle a couple of months ago that came and went a bit through the evening — this one beautifully consistent. Beautiful now, but will probably develop and hold further. *****
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12/23/2019 - esuen88 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Deep garnet. Leather and smoke on the nose. On the palate, a bit of smokey vegetal spices with hints of black fruit. Quite savoury towards the end with some length. Tannins still present. Sensing it is past its peak, but still great for a while, drink up.
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12/16/2019 - Cailles wrote: 93 Points
30 Vintages of Cheval Blanc: All tasted blind. 1982 to 2015 (with 1949 in the mix). The wines are fragrant, perfumed, seductive and always soft and without weight. Best performing vintages: the rather hot/ripe vintages 2015, 2009 and 1982 (all complex, seductive, complete and with elevated concentration). Next best: the promising and pure 2010, the still sexy 1990 and the immortal 1949. Notable outperformer: 2011 with many other good off-vintages. Notable underperformer: 2005, 2000, 1998 which all showed rather muted and not yet ready.
TN: I really like the nose here with a lot of stingy toasted oak, the most of all vintages. Same aromas on the palate along coffee, burnt sugar and nice red fruit. A bit disappointing in terms of depth and length given the much lauded 89 vintage, so not really one to chase but not bad either.
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12/10/2019 - hprphf wrote: 93 Points
Acker BYO 2019 (Tribecal Grill): Fruit leads the show with very nice nuances and clean clarity. 93
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11/29/2019 - Collector1855 wrote: 94 Points
Chateau Cheval Blanc - 30 year vertical (1949-2015) tasted blind: This is very tertiary in the nose with a funky side, licorice, farmyard. The palate has some Maggi aromas which points towards oxidation. Drink up.
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11/17/2019 - Ara Kafafian Likes this wine: 96 Points
Brick rim, smoke, vegetal notes, minerality, cherries and tar dominate this high acid wine. After so many years, still a tannic chewy monster. No idea when this will start fading bot those who have bottles tucked away can enjoy them now and the following 2 decades.
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10/12/2019 - Axelpeter wrote:
Carli60)
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10/10/2019 - SimonG wrote: 94 Points
Top 89 Bordeaux (Noizé, London): Mid to full bright garnet. Gorgeous nose. A touch of Madeira cake with a green spine. Cedar, mellow plummy fruit. A lot of nuance here. Relatively dry and savoury on the finish. Lots to enjoy. Some green olive and pepper too. Sweetens up with food, and then over an hour or two evolves to a pronounced ground coffee before pulling together a bit. ****1/2
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7/30/2019 - chatters wrote:
Last Tuesday Supper Club (One Penny Red, Summer Hill): leather, tobacco, sweet spice, cedar, very slight black fruit; a little plum, earthy. On the palate it's densely savoury, almost beef extract, a little plum, leather, tannins are chamois soft and persistent, all travel long.
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5/22/2019 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 95 Points
7 Bordeaux from the 1980s include 3 from 1982 (Yan's China Bistro, Walnut Creek, Ca.): Wine Group Lunch, Nose of black cherry, black cherry tart, Bing Cherry, spring flowers, and a touch of cigar box, same on the palate, big body, elegant, very tasty, mouth filling fruit with layers of subtle complexity, at peak, and will hold for 20 years, great legs in the glass, and a long, long finish. Added photo.
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4/12/2019 - Biglama Likes this wine: 97 Points
Wow, wat een neus, zo verfijnd, klassiek, alles wat je van een Top bordeaux mag verwachten
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3/23/2019 - rija wrote: 98 Points
Complex, multilayered nose as well as taste. Subtle floral hints and some eucalyptus in the aftertaste.
Always difficult to pair old wine with food but after some research we hit the perfect match. Lamb with a creamy Gratin Dauphinois. Like getting a swe
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2/18/2019 - Paul S wrote: 93 Points
1989 Bordeaux - 30 years on. (Famous Treasure, Capitol Piazza, Singapore): The first bottle was sadly corked, thankfully the back-up showed really nicely. While clearly not from one of the very greatest vintages, this was a solid Cheval Blanc that drank very nicely on the night. The nose was pure Cheval Blanc, with typically reserved notes of subtle dark cherries and berries alongside drifts of tobacco leaves, earth and fragrant cigarette smoke, maybe a bit of violet florals at the side. The palate had that same noble reserve as well, with fine acidity and filigreed tannins framing clean, clear, very pure notes of cassis and dark berries. This were joined on the midpalate by more of those earthy, smoky tobacco tones, all this trailing away into an elegant finish, again haunted by a hint of floral perfume. A spare, elegant wine at first blush, but also showing a nice depth and authority underneath all of that. Nice, and drinking well now too - I cannot help feeling this will get better with a few more years under its belt though.
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1/19/2019 - _water.into.wine_ Likes this wine: 96 Points
Still bright ruby, you would never place this at 30 years old.
Wow. The nose, the nose, the nose.
Fragrant and floral. Just a delight
Balance and harmony on the palatte. Nothing out of place. A wonderful wine.
Served by ST at his parents 40th anniversary.
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12/14/2018 - OenoEd Likes this wine: 98 Points
All war would end if the perfume of this wine could be misted daily over the planet: clean linen, violets, road tar, charred staves, plum pastry. In the mouth, a classic iron fist in velvet glove, silky tannins, decanted 2 hours and ready to drink, but solid for 20+ years, finish is long and leaves a subtle impression of cherry heering liqueur. Absolutely elegant.
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11/18/2018 - ove_stammrud wrote:
I sitt 29ende år har Cheval Blanc 1989 fortsatt en ungdommelig og livlig kraft. Særlig er fruktkvaliteten imponerende, med høy konsentrasjon og en usedvanlig fet sødme i midtpartiet. Etter en runde med luft så dukker det opp intense aromaer av krydderier som anis og fenikkelfrø, samt grillet paprika. Vinen fremstår som langt yngre en alderen skulle tilsi. Holdbar stil og høy kvalitet. De beste eksemplarene av denne vil tåle et lang liv vidre. En sjenerøs vin med mye nerve.
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6/25/2018 - MC2 Wines Likes this wine:
Really lovely bright and vibrant wine. The other two Bordeaux on the table were from the 60's and can see that this was younger. Decanted and it felt a bit more open for business right from the start (in retrospect should have decanted all 3). Dark fruits, a touch of smoke, very tasty.
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5/6/2018 - melzar wrote: 93 Points
Given the producer and the vintage, perhaps I was expecting more. Begins with a beautiful fragrant nose. Tannins fully resolved on a lovely fruit filled palate. This wine misses being truly great because of low acidity. Fully mature, this wine will remain on an extended plane of maturity, but it's unlikely to significantly improve. Finishes a little short for a wine of this pedigree. Reminds me of the 1982. 1985 remains my favorite vintage of Cheval Blanc.
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4/28/2018 - mflesh wrote: 98 Points
The nose on this wine was worth a 9.2 alone. I could have sat in the corner huffing the wine for the entire night. Dried cherries, pipe tobacco and earth. One of those noses where you feel like you're transported back to the Chateau and are right in the middle of the vineyard. Wine poured a darker maroon, full to the meniscus. The entry of this wine was rather dense. Middle went to a brambled type of presentation, tar, earth, but still retaining that ever copious cherry. Finish was quite impressive. I will say that this one tasted like it was 5 to 10 years old and could last another 20 years or so. Incredible wine.
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4/16/2018 - jsmorris707 Likes this wine: 96 Points
Brought by Andy & double decanted before our tasting, deep ruby, red & dark fruit, soft/med. tannins; delicious & at peak, drink up
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1/17/2018 - Jeff Leve wrote: 92 Points
With more concentration, this would rock. It has the silky, exotic textures, complex nose that marries cedar, tobacco, cigar box, floral, cherry and plum notes, but the lack of depth and length keeps it from earning a higher score. This is probably at full maturity. It should remain here for at least another decade or 2.
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12/12/2017 - steinersing wrote: 96 Points
From DMG - wow wine, deeply aromatic, great point to drink now with dcades ahead.
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12/11/2017 - fcxj wrote: 86 Points
Palais. Strange double mag that felt salty. Quite meh.
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12/4/2017 - MaxSiegel Likes this wine: 94 Points
Nose is very classic Cheval, with plum, red berries, tobacco, and herbs, plus smoky green pepper. Palate has a velvety texture with plum and berry fruit, plus more smoke and herbs. Somewhat sweet and slightly chocolatey. Tannins are mostly resolved, but acidity is relatively high, so wine remains quite fresh. Mid-palate is slightly thin, but finish is relatively long. To me, this is a nice example of richness without power. This is soft, seductive, lovely drinking, even if it lacks the intellectual delight of the greatest CBs. Worth 1.5 to 2 hours in the decanter and has significant life ahead. There is palpable, though not substantial, remaining phenolic structure, so this wine may develop slightly further.
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11/27/2017 - Markus IWC wrote: 96 Points
Bordeaux 1989 blind tasting, wine #5: Cheval Blanc is located close to the Pomerol border, this part of St-Emilion is geologically different from the eastern bigger part. One of few Cabernet Franc dominated wines in Bordeaux.
Feminine seductive masterpiece with mesmerizing complex nose, dulce de leche, caramel, white chocolate, nougat, citrus tones, iron, blood orange, baked pepper. Fresh acidity, destined for a long life, just beautiful!!! 6 votes.
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11/14/2017 - Jeff Leve wrote: 92 Points
Such a beautiful style of wine, but it lacks concentration and depth of flavor. Still, it's hard not to enjoy the soft, silky, earthy, ripe, red berries, tobacco, flowers and tobacco in the perfume, or the elegant, soft plums and herbs in the finish. This is fully mature and while there is no urgency to drink it, it will not gain much for further aging.
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9/29/2017 - jrh82 wrote: 91 Points
My first Cheval Blanc so was obviously a very exciting moment. On the nose I got plum, some cigar box, mint which evolved into green bell pepper. Nice texture with nice ripe and smooth tannins. More plum and mocca om the taste. In my view though the green bell pepper-character from the Cabernec Franc was a bit too much. Dominanted the nose completely while I would have preferred greater balance from the merlot. Having said that it was a profoundly complex wine that kept evolving in the glass. Several years more for this wine but all in all for me too much Cab Franc on the nose.
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8/28/2017 - englishman's claret wrote: 93 Points
The 89 is nice, but it's not my favorite Cheval as the Merlot doesn't feel as though it's completely ripened and the Cabernet Franc really takes center stage. Still, it has some very appealing, exotic Chevalish spice and chocolate. This is a much better bottle than I had a few years ago and, ultimately, it's a lovely wine.
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2/3/2017 - tinybubbles Likes this wine: 93 Points
Deep dark red fruit, some dark earth, hints of coffee grounds, white pepper notes. 93-94+
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12/5/2016 - MicklethePickle Likes this wine: 93 Points
Good medium garnet with still-decent legs. Textbook aged Bordeaux nose with pencil shavings and red fruit. Very robust, no sign of decline. In the mouth this is excellent. All tannins resolved, menthol, mint and lovely silky fruit, all quite elegant. This is at peak maturity, with no indication of imminent decline. It is sweet and oh so lovely to drink. Sweet spot! 4-13-17-9: 93/100.
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3/11/2016 - cab blends wrote: 96 Points
Heavy chalk with green peppers in the nose.
Dry full bodied and balanced with light acidity. WOTN for me. Silky and in balance.
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2/27/2016 - eoinhharkins Likes this wine: 95 Points
Opened an hour then decanted 30 minutes before serving and what a wine! Wonderful bouquet of dried floral, spice, dry currants and plums, subtle earthy tones, palate is smooth and elegant, yet so fresh, persistent and dynamic with a terrific complex finish that makes you want more and more........
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2/19/2016 - DrinkBordeaux wrote: 92 Points
Château Cheval Blanc vertical tasting dinner #1 (Vienna Cafe & Wine Bar): Moved in and out all night. When it was on, it was really on. Red fruits, some damp earth, cedar, herbs, and espresso. Moderate tannins. Some spiciness noted on the finish. Didn't put on much weight throughout the night. One of the most enchanting noses of the night. Still has some years left in the tank, but the inconsistency throughout the night leads me to wonder how long.
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1/23/2016 - aagrawal wrote: 92 Points
Dinner (Quince, San Francisco): Medium ruby with some bricking; elegant nose with some floral, earthy, very elegant, slight spice; palate is full bodied, integrated tannin, blackberry fruit; finish is medium length. Very nice and elegant, but I was expecting more cabernet franc green and a bit more aromatic conplexity. 91
With 30 minutes of air this developed great aromatic complexity with more spice, nutmeg, great complexity; palate is very nice and elegant. A step up from before. 92
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12/12/2015 - espesqpa@gmail.com Likes this wine: 94 Points
A beautiful wine. Floral overtones on the nose. The wine had shed its tannins and it was quite soft with its fruit was in in perfect balance. Great long finish. This wine still has time. We drank it alongside an 89 Angelus matched with pheasant smothered in black truffles. The Angelus was every bit the equal of the Cheval. The two wines and the dish really complimented each other very well.
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7/4/2015 - DaButtah Likes this wine: 93 Points
Slight vegetal note on the front end that takes away from the fruit.
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6/24/2015 - Jeff Leve wrote: 91 Points
Fully mature, this is slightly more interesting on the nose, with its earthy, spicy, floral and red fruit character, than on the soft, silky, medium bodied palate. The red fruit have complexity but there is a slight rustic feeling in the end note and a touch of green that takes away from the overall experience.
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1/17/2015 - DAN BAILEY Likes this wine:
Lighter red fruit, hint of green, supple but still with some structure. Silky and elegant with air.
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1/14/2015 - MEKWINE wrote: 96 Points
Chez bruce, 1st growth, Saint Emilion. Low key to start, giving way to minerals and ripe berry fruits. elegance on stilts.
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1/14/2015 - SimonG wrote: 95 Points
St Emillion First Growths (Chez Bruce, London): Nicely rich and plush in an elegant and understated way on the nose. Nicely mineral. Some mid-palate flesh and then a long finish. A green-tinged tobacco freshness. Harmonious. Long with just a pinch of sweetness to the fruit on the finish. *****
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11/10/2014 - Biglama Likes this wine: 94 Points
zeer geslaagde uitvoering, mooie klassieke neus, licht wat riool, put lucht, mooi dierlijk, kruidig, donkere tonen, mooie balans, heerlijk nu te drinken, kan nog wel even mee
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8/10/2014 - Jeff Leve wrote: 93 Points
Really nice charmer, with silky, soft, textures, sweet, plum, earth and chocolate that is perfect for drinking today and for at least the next decade.
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5/20/2014 - walkerjfw wrote: 94 Points
At Ai Fiori in NYC, after two "bigger" styled reds Togni and Quilceda, decanted for about 15 minutes, drank over 45 minutes.
Light ruby/crimson color, mild bricking. Not much sediment in this bottle, clean cork, well stored. Nose of herbs, red fruits, caramel, burnt sugar. Elegant and "feminine" palate with dusted old red fruits, herbs, rhubarb, tobacco. Smooth and seductive, tannins resolved.
The wine is fully mature and ready to drink - great balance and finesse. This bottle was showing some signs of age but seems to have a good arc of drink-ability ahead of it. Really special experience for fans of well aged Bordeaux...
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5/17/2014 - mwanasheria Likes this wine: 93 Points
1989 in the Rheingau (Eltville, Rheingau, Germany): Nice nose of raisins showing all the 1989 summer heat. Tar, smoke, wood, silky tannins. Great.
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3/8/2014 - Fatty Cat wrote: 90 Points
Cheval Blanc tasting (30 different vintages) at the Rheingau Gourmet Festival 2014: rubin red color; cherry and pomme de granate; light body; somewhat a little unbalanced.
Vintages 1st flight: 1985-1986-1988-1989-1990
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7/25/2013 - DoubleMagnum Likes this wine: 94 Points
1980's Bordeaux Dinner (Arlington Club, NY): Much more feminine than any other wine we drank tonight. Tighter on the palate. Finishes shorter than the others. It still is a great wine thought. Good extract, finesse and balance.
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6/9/2013 - AllRed wrote: 89 Points
Sunday Brown Bag Tasting: Paloma Syrah Vertical (Our house): Light crimson color. Notes of red berries and roasted herbs, a touch weedy/vegetal. Balanced, with nice red fruit, earth and herb qualities. A little bit thin and short across the midpalate and finish. 89 for me, 88 for Domino.
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4/19/2013 - Wine_lvr Likes this wine: 93 Points
Bordeaux 1989 Horizontal Tasting (Zurich): Intensive red. Nose of berries with mineralic notes. Very well integrated and smooth tannins. Raspberries, tobacco combined with a fresh acidity. This is an elegant wine with plenty of life ahead. Drink now - 2030
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3/9/2013 - Dave Canada wrote: 92 Points
Super Tasting 3 of 6 - Dave's Epic Dinner (Kitchener, Ontario): Nose of caramel, pyrazene, macciato, quite stemmy with graphite, and chocolate. Palate shows pyrazene, caramel, blackfruit and spice with a long finish dominated by dried black fruit, coffee and caramel
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3/9/2013 - Wine Canuck wrote: 92 Points
Dave's Super Tasting (3 of 6) (Dave's House): Strikingly young and oaky. Very Primary wine with loads of high quality coffee, caramel, and toasty oak. Touches of herbs, greenness, graphite, and iron. This still has signs of life ahead but I don't think it will ever be classic. Palate replays the caramel and shows prunes and dates on the finish. Fruit profile is almost a bit port like. Good now and for a more mature expression should hang in a while yet.
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3/9/2013 - alittle wrote: 92 Points
Super Tasting 3 of 6; Dave Does a Mixed Bag (Dave's House): Popped and poured, followed approximately 1 hour. Deep garnet, with a moderate brick at the rim. On the nose, dried red fruits, currants, cigar, leather, dried herbs, coffee grinds, undergrowth, earth, grass clippings, overlaid by a caramel/toffee note. On the palate, quite rich and sweet, moderate acid, with a slight grip of unresolved tannin on the finish. A nice wine, but falls short of expectations, given the pedigree.
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1/11/2013 - thwacker Likes this wine: 96 Points
Didn't know what to expect since user tasting notes were somewhat underwhelming but we were all blown away. Beautiful perfume on the nose, slight brick color. Great balance, but profound depth of flavor and a very long finish. Smooth as silk, a monumental wine.
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11/12/2012 - Margauxguy wrote: 94 Points
Some tartness on the nose, richer and rounder. Some noted a bit flawed perhaps a little flat, not long. I liked it, but the consensus was short. By the end of the nightsome thought it was flabby. I disagreed, and it was 3rd out of 4 for me, pretty special
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11/2/2012 - Lord Rayas wrote: 96 Points
David's MNSC (Megan's Kitchen): stunning bouquet. great balance and structure.
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11/2/2012 - Revenga wrote: 92 Points
Ryan's Birthday/Grand Hyatt HK/ Jeroboam and 75 cl: brick hue, concentrated plum red. Mushroom, old black currant, slight minty- cedar. Full and rich mouth feel. Very round and long finish. Beautiful...
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10/11/2012 - cadams wrote: 91 Points
Pretty good color still a little bricking at the edges
Great funky nose, cellar floor, mushroom, balsamic vinegar
Soft tannins, good texture, med red fruits
medium finish
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10/6/2012 - IWineAlot wrote: 91 Points
CT Offline WI Take 2: Judgement of Madison(Paris) Tasting & BYOB Dinner (Madison, WI): Ruby in color.
More mature on the nose than the '98. Notes of vegetables, mushrooms, damp forest floor.
Peppers, dill pickle, mushrooms and underbrush on the palate. Nice velvety texture. Medium plus finish.
SS 91pts.
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10/6/2012 - petitblanc wrote: 92 Points
CT Wisconsin Offline 2; 10/5/2012-10/6/2012 (Madison, WI): Medium cranberry color. Nose of mushroom and forest floor. More lively on the palate, with sweet fruit along with the funk. Great balance, a classy old Bordeaux. Base neck fill, a bit of dried seepage under the capsule.
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1/25/2012 - englishman's claret wrote: 90 Points
89/90 Bordeaux Retrospective with Hart Davis Hart: Bonus bottle served without the corresponding '90. Quince meets dark chocolate on the nose. Good fruit here, but it picks up a slightly rancio note on the palate that I dislike. Drying tannin. I don't think the bottle was off. I wasn't all that impressed.
4-
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1/5/2012 - winesnout wrote: 95 Points
Lots of cedar, spice, berries and exotic fruit followed by earthy and tobacco notes. One of the best in our recent 1989 Bordeaux tasting. Elegant, silky but not quite as powerful as expected. Came in second in our tasting, with Lynch-Bages 89 (97 points) as the winner.
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5/28/2011 - beezer6 wrote: 91 Points
Saturday Tasting Group (Knightsbridge Wine Shop (Northbrook, IL)): Surprised this was a Cheval - kind of underwhelmed for such a great wine in a strong vintage.
Molasses, savory soy, purple and rustic red cherry. Serious cola and earth. Worcestershire, spice. Leather, tobacco, classic Bordeaux styling. Pencil lead and graphite. Black and green olive.
Palate is bigger and drying. Big tannin structure kind of got in the way in my opinion.
Green vegetal play some tomato leaf action.
Enjoyable and elegant. Fairly advanced for an '89 Cheval hence the reduced score.
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2/27/2011 - Plunge the Worm wrote:
Tasted at the Napa Valley Junior College; "Wine of the World" class. Thank you Norma, we are getting our money's worth this semester
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10/26/2010 - Rupert wrote: 93 Points
Cheval Blanc dinner (The Ledbury, London): Big and spicy, exotic, thick rich and assertive, delicious
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10/20/2010 - CellarBord wrote: 90 Points
A nice wine. Needed some food to truly enjoy the wine. Still showing well.
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9/6/2010 - jpijg wrote: 91 Points
Nose of blackpepper, veru ripe blackcurrent and hints of red pepper (or shall I say poivron), so typical of cabernet franc, hints of truffle. In the mouth, the wine is velvety, with ripe fruits (cherry ?) laced with tobacco, hints of cocoa and leather, and still those truffle hints. However, it is not the explosion and intensity one could expect from such a trophy bottle. Flavours are perfect, but cocncentrtaion is a tad short. I can't feel any vibrant emotion there. Since this one was tasted blind, there was no prejudice.
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8/16/2010 - jjclips2 wrote: 92 Points
Downtown Dan Beats Cancer! (Konte's): Very little has changed with this one in the last 3 years. Took 30 minutes to show. Elegantly perfumed with berries and spice, leather, little bit of brett, and pencil lead. Delicate and feminine palate with the slightest dusty tannins on the finish. Great acidity and rather fresh still. While it won't get better, this showed very nice.
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8/12/2010 - ahubner wrote: 93 Points
The wine was drinking very well but there was a strong leaking through the cork. I will open my last bottle soon.
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6/13/2010 - Jossik wrote: 95 Points
Bellissime note pirazinico-erbacee, maturo e molto godibile al naso.Bocca molto piena e sensuale, appagante e calda
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5/15/2010 - rickspicks wrote: 95 Points
Showing some brickish color on the edges. Exotic aged bordeaux nose of black fruit, cedar, spice, vanilla and a hint of earth - very reminiscent of a Lafite. Tobacco notes emerge after a couple of hours. Very intense, rich, black cherry and spice on the palate. Nicely balanced with slightly drying tannins and good acidity. Silky smooth and medium to full bodied. Adds weight and complexity with some airtime. I found it to be a fascinating combination of richness and elegance - absolutely delicious!
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5/13/2010 - 60ouvrees wrote:
Herbaceous, olive nose should have tipped us off that this was Cheval, but no one guessed it. Really good showing and this was flat out delicious.
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12/24/2009 - Kevin_C wrote: 94 Points
Similar to last bottle, this shows a lot of green pepper in the bouquet and has a green streak that runs through the palate. This has such an amazing structure and acidity to it. It put on a fuller mid-palate while eating and paired very well with kobe beef. Drank with a 1995 Opus One which provided an interesting contrast.
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9/13/2009 - loverboy wrote: 90 Points
Elegant Cheval Blanc. This one is no big or fruity but with delicate tannins. Pretty lean and flat in mouth, but got better a little with time. Not a blockbuster Cheval Blanc.
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6/28/2009 - 60ouvrees wrote:
Yet another excellent showing from a supposedly mediocre Cheval(the '86 is also drinking very well right now).
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6/19/2009 - Jeff Leve wrote: 90 Points
Considering the vintage and the great success enjoyed by many properties from the Right Bank, is slightly disappointing. Light in color, with flowers, herbs, cherries and smoke aromas. Elegant and silky, and filled with finesse, but, unfortunately, also quite light. The finish was short in the mid palate as well. If this were a quarter of the price, I’d be thrilled; yet, for Cheval Blanc, all I can say is that it’s no 1990.
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5/6/2009 - pmonge wrote: 90 Points
Fine, elegant, just not impressive. Nothing really wrong, but this bottle wasn'tat the same level of its name.
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4/6/2009 - Harrypotter wrote: 84 Points
Aromatically - Tabasco sauce and other related chili-powder. Must be a characteristic that is formed from immature phenolics. The palate had predominantly chili notes with a silky texture of tannin and lasting flavor. Notable only because of its pedigree if it were anything else I am not sure I would have taken the effort to take notes on it.
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3/22/2009 - Kevin_C wrote: 93 Points
Dark garnet core fading out to clear at the rim. Strong bouquet of green bell pepper and red berries followed by notes of cedar and caramel. Nice entry with a smooth mid-palate that stays focused along the center of the tongue. The flavor profile is similar to the bouquet but with a lot less green pepper. This was at its very best at the dinner table where the balanced acidity really shows how fresh and alive this is. It was a joy to taste in between bites. Very nice finish too. [93-94]
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8/24/2008 - BradE wrote:
Similar to prior note, this was a touch reserved, with cedar/pencil notes. Great stuff, but I would not have guessed Cheval blind.
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7/13/2008 - Biglama wrote: 94 Points
Donker rood, iets vertekening, neus is mooi open en geeft cederhout, rijp rood fruit, aardsheid, champignons, complexiteit. smaak is rijk en mooi vloeiend, zelfs licht romig met mooie balans en veel diepgang, elegante klasse met complexiteit, beter dan de eerdere flessen
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3/15/2008 - BradE wrote:
Great bottle. Would have guessed Pauillac in a blind tasting. Atypically lead pencil. Less fruit forward than prior bottles. Loved it.
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2/23/2008 - Biglama wrote: 91 Points
neus is wat vlak, later meer open, aardse tonen licht fruitig. smaak is mooi met zuur en goede balans, zuiver en vrij lichtvoetig
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1/1/2008 - Ricky99 wrote: 90 Points
Disappointment against an Ausone and Lafite. This stayed closed the entire time we had it. Nose was promising with tobacco/coffee but mouth didn't fit. No great length.
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12/11/2007 - jjclips2 wrote: 93 Points
Celebrated a new cellar with this bottle, as well as a few others. Initial nose of barnyard funk, cedar, and pencil lead. Hints of black fruits sneak out every once in a while, but it's mostly secondary characteristics. The palate is as elegant as I would hope for. Nice black cherry up front with black tea, sawdust, and some damp earth. This one fleshed out a bit after open for an hour or so. Some gorgeous eucalyptus notes, fresh berries, hints of bell pepper and spices. The palate is also a hint richer and shows some tannin structure still present. Nicely balanced acidity finishes this beauty. Probably at or near maturity.
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12/9/2007 - wlevy@nch.com wrote: 95 Points
Wonderful/incredible
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12/9/2007 - wlevy@nch.com wrote: 95 Points
Absolutely wonderful! It was perfect! Silky smooth just like a $500 bottle .
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10/5/2007 - reichken wrote: 90 Points
Lunch at Chez Bruce (Chez Bruce, London): Lunch @ Chez Bruce with david wainwright
First claret of the lunch. ruby color with a little bowning around edges...lead pencil and some dark berry flavors. good balance coating the mouth . med length. very nice drink nd still many years ahead of it
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7/18/2007 - Keith Levenberg wrote: 93 Points
Cheval Blanc Vertical (Craftsteak): A sweet, nutty bouquet but relatively faint. A powerhouse in the mouth, very dark in profile with a grip that sticks, and sticks, and sticks . . . more from its fundamental sappiness than the tannin, which is actually pretty soft and graceful. The fruit is marked by a compote-like sur-maturite but the minty finish adds freshness. All that said, this needs more time for the terroir to out. There is still a lot of young, primary fruit here that will need to evolve before the signatures of Cheval Blanc make their appearance.
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6/3/2007 - Siggy wrote: 93 Points
Tasting Group Dinner w/ Paul Jaouen (Brad's House, Minneapolis): Deep red, with no visible bricking. Smoky black fruit, minerals, tobacco, roasted meat, and mushooms. Nice finesse. Medium weight. At first I thought this was spectacular, but it faded a bit in the glass. (And then I broke the glass, but that's a different story!) Still, a very good showing for this wine.
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6/3/2007 - BradE wrote:
A good, not great Cheval, and that's how it showed tonight.
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6/3/2007 - Dave Dalluge wrote: 95 Points
Paul Jaouen Does Minneapolis (Mugnier, Leroy, Papet, La Las, Pavillon, Celestins, Cheval, Latour, Palmer): Popped, decanted, and poured. I thought this showed much better than the last bottle we had. The nose is divine -- a blend of red fruit and expresso with good intensity and lots of complexity. In the mouth this is medium weight but has excellent presence and is very elegant. Red fruit and mineral dominate the taste. Good structure. Fully resolved tannins. Great length. Second for WOTN behind the La Mouline for me.
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5/28/2007 - Biglama wrote: 91 Points
nog mooi rood, geur is sigarenkistje en duidelijk zwarte bes. frisse neus, smaak is nog fris met prettige zuren en heerlijk drinkbaar. elegant en vrouwelijke indrukken. nog proefbare tannines.
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2/3/2007 - G SQUARED wrote: 92 Points
Masa's Cheval blanc dinner. A little disappointing. I expected more. It's a little chunky, still too young and needs to get resolved.
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2/1/2007 - winefool wrote: 94 Points
HDH Comparative Bordeaux Tasting 1989 & 1990 (Casino Club): Red/pink color. Towering nose of red fruit, green pepper and dill. Really nice round psicy black fruit on the palate with a long lingering finish of spice and anise.
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12/25/2006 - kmforster wrote:
Disappointing. Thin, weak, simple. I wonder if the bottle got exposed to heat at some point in its life? What a shame.
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11/6/2006 - Biglama wrote: 92 Points
rood in kleur, Geur is rijp en elegant, fruitig met war rijpingstonen, iets aards met mooie tabaktoon. Smaak is zijde zacht met prachtige balans en elegantie.
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9/4/2006 - graemeg wrote:
NobleRottersSydney - First Growth Night (Guillaume at Bennelong): These wines were served as a pair [with the 88], and perhaps confirmed the relative merits of the two vintages. The 1989 offered a medium intensity aged nose of mushroom, graphite and a pleasant compost note. The palate was dry, with low-medium acidity and medium weight powdery tannins. There are leafy-but-ripe developed fruit flavours, with cedar & wood-spice which follow the path indicated by the nose. This wine is not exactly lavish; it’s somewhat boney and restrained, yet the balance is good across the palate, tailing off a little at the very back. With a medium length dusty dry finish, and medium weight body, it would appear to be at, or just past, its peak.
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9/4/2006 - Biglama wrote: 90 Points
rode kleur. geur is rijp rood fruit, volle neus met rijke complexe tonen, mooie houtinvloed. smaak is vol en wat romig, erg soepel met veel indrukken. Goed rijp glas op zijn top.hele rijpe zachte tannines en een mooie rijke structuur. lange fraaie afdronk
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2/27/2006 - Dave Dalluge wrote: 92 Points
Cheval Blanc with Brad England and Scott Manlin: The color is reddish-orange, and the wine looks a little thin. This has a very enticing nose dominated by red fruit but is a little subdued. This is medium bodied in the mouth and well balanced. This wine is not nearly as concentrated as some of the other wines tasted, but is very elegant with a nice lingering finish. Drinking very well and a great way to start out the night.
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11/27/2005 - andrewstevenson.com wrote: 94 Points
A very similar appearance to the 1986. Lovely nose – very refined with a good, pure, blackcurrant streak. Very elegant on the palate, with a silky, chocolatey mouthfeel. Very fresh (possibly a touch high-toned?) on the palate. Impressive. Very Good Indeed/Excellent.
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10/15/2004 - Eric wrote: 94 Points
Dinner at Rubicon and a surreal pre-tasting (San Francisco, CA): Wow, this was a beauty with a high-toned, spicy nose. Initially it showed dusty lead pencil notes, but this kep building and opening with licorice, mint, ginger, and Asian 5-spice. The palate screams of Bordeaux with excellent structure, mineral and gravel. A spicy, exotic wine. Hmm, I think that Cheval Blanc is starting to grow on me...
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10/5/2004 - Jeff Leve wrote: 90 Points
Light in color, flowers, herbs, cherries and smoke aromas. Medium bodied. Very elegant, but unfortunately, also very light. The finish was short with little mid palate
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12/25/2003 - MicklethePickle Likes this wine: 91 Points
1989 Cheval Blanc
12/25/03 at Nancy's house. Still a fine rich color. Rich nose, very fine. Mouthfilling, feminine, rich. Excellent. The tannins are sweet. 5-12-16-8-91/100.
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10/3/2003 - Joe Belmaati wrote: 89 Points
Dark red colour with slight browning at the rim. Jam and red fruits on the nose. Adequate structure, but seems to lack fruit and density. A nice wine that is easily consumed. And the aftertaste is quite pleasant, but one just wishes for a little bit more of everything.
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3/1/1994 - sdr wrote: 86 Points
Great Wine Seminar. Sweet nose, thinner than the ‘90, hard tannins.
Serena Sutcliffe: “spice bazaar, licorice, yardstick Cheval Blanc nose, wonderful, opulent.”
David Peppercorn: “more classic, closed.”
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1/10/1992 - MicklethePickle Likes this wine: 92 Points
At Singer & Foy survey of '89 Bordeaux. Medium ruby color. Sweetish, perfumed, fleshpot nose. Fairly exotic. Palate is unique and very refined and elegant. Pretty and extremely drinkable already. Complex and rich. Lovely wine. 5-11-18-8: 92/100.
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