Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Cheval Blanc
Label Name:
 
St Emilion Gcc a
Vintage:
 
2009
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot 56%, Cabernet Franc 42%, Cabernet Sauvignon 2%
Method:
 
Traditional fermentation with extended maceration; élevage 18–24 months in French oak barrels (≈50% new); blended and bottled after ageing.
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Profound black and blue fruits (blackberry, cassis), violet and menthol lift, touches of cocoa, leather and exotic spice; super-fine, silky tannins, bright freshness and an extremely long, perfumed finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Western: grilled ribeye, roast rack of lamb, duck à l'orange, aged hard cheeses. Asian: Peking duck, miso-glazed black cod, Korean BBQ (bulgogi), shiitake mushroom risotto or dishes with black bean sauce.
Vineyard Info:
 
Historic 39-hectare Premier Grand Cru Classé A estate on the Isle river alluvium; owned by the Arnault group since 1998; famed for its Cabernet Franc-dominant style and long ageing potential.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti-Brown) 100, Jeb Dunnuck 100, James Suckling 99, Decanter 100, Vinous (Neal Martin) 98, Wine Spectator 98