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Le Petit Cheval 2021

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyCabernet Franc/Merlot

Cheval Blanc's second label is used for fruit not considered up to the quality level required for the grand vin but still of a high standard. It is not produced every year as every plot of Cheval Blanc has the potential to make grand vin. There is now a white wine also produced (Le Petit Cheval Blanc) but this is not sold en primeur.

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Label

Tasting Notes

As readers may remember, this cuvée simply represents everything that doesn't synergize with Cheval Blanc's blend, so the 2021 Le Petit Cheval is composed of some 60% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, amounting to fully half the surface planted to Cabernet Sauvignon at Cheval Blanc. Offering up aromas of dark berries, mulberries and mint framed by creamy new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and polished, concluding with a long, delicately vanillin-inflected finish. Its composition means that it will reward a bit of patience. Drink Date: 2027 - 2037

91
William Kelley, Wine Advocate, February 2024

The 2021 Le Petit Cheval, which, according to Pierre Lurton, contains more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, has attractive iris flower and incense aromas on the nose, along with plenty of dark berry fruit and just a touch of crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit on the entry, that Cabernet imparting a Médoc-like structure, and a strict, saline finish. I can see this aging well in bottle while waiting for the Grand Vin to reach its drinking plateau.

90/92
Neal Martin, vinous.com, May 2022

The 2021 has 60% Merlot with fully 33% Cabernet Sauvignon that adds real bite, and 7% Cabernet Franc. Petit Cheval comprises 13% of the total harvest of Cheval Blanc in 2021 - 69% is in the Grand Vin with the remainder sold off in bulk. Bright ruby-purple colour. Very floral, full of Cabernet fruit. Deep and rich cassis, thanks to the high level of Cabernet Sauvignon dropped from the Grand Vin into this blend. Linear and tight with telltale Cabernet tannins that grip the finish. This is full of tension, acidity and salinity. Pure and nervous with fresh acidity on the finish.

91/93
Thomas Parker MW, Farr Vintners, April 2022

This is a very structured Petit Cheval, because of the higher than normal cabernet sauvignon in the blend. It seems more like Pauillac, with blackcurrants and chewy yet polished and intense tannins. It needs time. 60% merlot, 33% cabernet sauvignon and 7% cabernet franc.

94/95
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, May 2022

The 2021 Le Petit Cheval is a blend of 60% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Cabernet Franc. It needs a little swirling to unlock notes of black cherries, redcurrant, and mulberries, plus hints of cedar, clove oil, and dusty soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegant and refreshing, with lovely harmony thanks to soft, delicately played tannins, finishing with compelling baking spices notes.
2026-2043

89/91
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, May 2022

60% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc. 13% of production. Cask sample.
Dark-fruit aroma. Long and linear on the palate, the Cabernet Sauvignon marking the blend (first time this much in Petit Cheval). Crunchy fruit with a firm grain of tannin. Structure for a bit of age. (JL) 13%
Drink 2027 – 2036

16+
James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com, May 2022
Read more tasting notes...

Representing 13% of the estate's production (a further 18% was sold off in bulk), the 2021 Le Petit Cheval exhibits aromas of cherries, sweet berries, loamy soil, tobacco leaf and spices. Medium to full-bodied, lively and nicely concentrated, with powdery tannins and a saline finish, it's a blend of 60% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc.

89/91
William Kelley, Wine Advocate (260), April 2022
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.