Category: | Red Wines |
Sub-Category: | Red Wines |
Producer: | Cheval Blanc |
Label Name: | St Emilion Gcc a (ex Château 2023) |
Vintage: | 1985 |
Country: | France |
Region: | Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux |
Volume: | 750ml |
ABV: | 12.5% |
Grape(s): | Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon |
Acidity: | 3 |
Tannins: | 3 |
Sweetness: | 1 |
Body: | 4 |
Length: | 4 |
Aroma Intensity: | 4 |
Best Temperature: | 16-18°C |
Awards/Ratings
Representative scores for Cheval Blanc 1985: Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 95, Vinous 95, Wine Spectator 92, Jancis Robinson 19/20, Jean-Marc Quarin ~96; widely praised for balance and length
Tasting Note
Medium-garnet; aromas of sandalwood, clove, dried lavender, tobacco and dark berry. Silky, medium-full palate with licorice, leather, prune and exotic spice; refined tannins and a long, spice-laced finish.
Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, beef ribeye, duck confit, mushroom risotto, aged Comté or Gruyère. Asian: Peking duck, beef rendang, braised short ribs (korean/galbi), shiitake mushroom stir-fry with soy and ginger.
Production Method
Traditional Bordeaux vinification: fermented in temperature-controlled vats with parcel selection, matured ~12–18 months in French oak barrels (including a portion new oak), blended and bottle-aged.
Vineyard Info
Historic Saint-Émilion estate long esteemed as Premier Grand Cru Classé A (withdrew from classification 2021); known for Cabernet Franc–led blends; owned by Bernard Arnault/Albert Frère since 1998; produces Cheval Blanc and Le Petit Cheval.