Category: | Red Wines |
Sub-Category: | Red Wines |
Producer: | Cheval Blanc |
Label Name: | St Emilion Gcc a |
Vintage: | 2011 |
Country: | France |
Region: | Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux |
Volume: | 750ml |
ABV: | 14% |
Grape(s): | Cabernet Franc (57%), Merlot (43%) |
Acidity: | 3 |
Tannins: | 4 |
Sweetness: | 1 |
Body: | 4 |
Length: | 5 |
Aroma Intensity: | 4 |
Best Temperature: | 16-18°C |
Awards/Ratings
Key scores: Wine Advocate (William Kelley) 97 pts (Aug 2022); Jeb Dunnuck 96; Robert Parker (earlier) 95; Wine Spectator 94; James Suckling 94; Wine Enthusiast 92; Jancis Robinson ~19/20
Tasting Note
Pure black-fruit core (blackberry, blackcurrant) with violet, menthol and cedary tobacco notes; loamy earth and bittersweet chocolate. Silky, layered palate with fine powdery tannins and a long mineral-tinged finish.
Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, braised beef short ribs, duck confit, mushroom risotto, aged comté or pecorino. Asian: Peking duck, char siu, braised beef noodle soup, shiitake hotpot, Korean BBQ (grilled short rib).
Production Method
Parcel vinification (multiple small vats for ~44 parcels); fermentation in temperature-controlled vats; matured c.14–18 months in French oak (majority new), then blended and bottle-aged.
Vineyard Info
Historic estate founded in 19th century on mixed gravel-clay soils; owned by the Arnault/Frère interests (LVMH-linked). Renowned for high Cabernet Franc plantings and meticulous parcel management.