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) |
Acidity: | 3 |
Tannins: | 5 |
Sweetness: | 1 |
Body: | 4 |
Length: | 3 |
Aroma Intensity: | 4 |
Best Temperature: | 16-18°C |
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
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.
Production Method
Hand-harvested, destemmed, fermented in temperature-controlled vats and matured c.18 months in French oak (notable new oak influence).
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.