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
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.
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
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.
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.
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