Cheval Blanc 1997

A seductive, fragrant style of Cheval Blanc, with moderate density and weight, this immediately appealing 1997 exhibits an exotic nose of coconut, plums, cherry liquer, and sweet, toasty oak. The wine's alluring personality is accompanied by fine suppleness, low acidity, medium body, and current drinkability. Consume it over the next 5-6 years. Last tasted, 11/02.

ICheval Blanc's 1997 performed well. It is neither as super-extracted nor phenomenally rich as the 1990 or 1982, but it is exotic, seductive, and opulently-textured. Yields were extremely low at this estate in 1997 (35 hectoliters per hectare), and the harvest, which began on September 8, did not finish until September 25. Because of their difficulties with the Cabernet Franc, this example of Cheval Blanc contains an atypically high proportion of Merlot. The final blend, which represents 35% of the estate's total production, consists of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc (contrast that with the more classic blend of 66% Cabernet Franc and 34% Merlot). The deep ruby/purple-colored 1997 offers a flamboyant, exotic nose of coconuts, coffee, jammy black cherries and currants, and high quality pain grille scents. This round, elegant, medium-bodied wine possesses gorgeously sweet fruit, and absolutely no aggressiveness to any of its components. The acidity is low, the tannin soft and ripe, and the finish impressive. This will be an undeniably juicy, captivating Cheval Blanc to drink when it is released. It should keep for 12 or more years.