Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Cheval Blanc
Label Name:
 
St Emilion Gcc a
Vintage:
 
1994
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
Volume:
 
1500ml
ABV:
 
12.5%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot, Cabernet Franc (rarely small Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec)
Method:
 
Hand-harvested, destemmed, fermented in temperature-controlled vats and matured c.18 months in French oak (notable new oak influence).
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
3
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Dark ruby with plummy core. Aromas of blackcurrant, plum, tobacco, vanilla, spice and floral notes. Full-bodied with lush fruit but pronounced, mouthsearing tannins and a medium-long finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Western: roast lamb, braised short ribs, beef Wellington, aged hard cheeses. Asian: Peking duck, char siu (BBQ pork), Korean BBQ (galbi), miso-glazed aubergine or beef stir-fry.
Vineyard Info:
 
Château Cheval Blanc, Premier Grand Cru Classé A (Saint-Émilion). ~39 ha estate famed for high Cabernet Franc plantings; historically Fourcaud-Laussac ownership, later Bernard Arnault/Albert Frère; Pierre Lurton led winemaking in the 1990s.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #109, Feb 1997) 88pts; Wine Spectator 86pts (1999); frequently offered at major auctions (Christie's). Contemporary reviews note strong tannins and solid structure