Devon Magee, JJ Buckley, April 2012

52% cabernet franc and 48% merlot off the gravel, sand, and clay soils on the gentle slope that runs north towards Pomerol. 100% new, medium toast oak from 7 different coopers. Fresh yet reserved on the nose with cola and cherry nuances. The palate is all about texture and absolute elegance. The weight of the wine and shade-grown depth to the red fruit imparts a lovely sense of purity. The tannins are balanced and add a refreshing saline quality. A top Cheval Blanc. Will be exceptional as it opens up over the next 5 years, and will be worth holding onto over at least the next 10-15 years. Drink 2017-2032.

94 points,

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, April 2012

A really beautiful wine with super silky tannins with chocolate, spice, berries and spices. Full body, with super polished tannins and a long, long finish. The first wine from the new winery of Cheval. Very precise. Very polished. Cabernet Franc give the quality.

94 -96 points,

Neal Martin's Wine Journal, April 2012

The Cheval Blanc is a blend of 52% Cabernet Franc and 48% Merlot picked from 6th September finishing on 2nd October. The bouquet is reticent at first and so I allow the sample to warm a little in the glass over five minutes. It unfurls nicely to offer a classic Cheval Blanc nose with the Cabernet Franc exhibiting those floral aromas, more dried rose petal than say violets. It is a slightly aloof nose, not one that comes running to you like the 2009 or 2010. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, slightly chalky tannins. It is well balanced with a fine tannic backbone, imbued with a sense of symmetry that Cheval Blanc has been honing in recent vintages. It displays fine minerality, remaining strict and linear towards the finish, although this may flesh out a little during maturation. A comparatively foursquare Cheval Blanc, one that will repay considerable ageing. Tasted April 2012.

94 -96 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, April 2012

Somewhat reminiscent of their brilliant 1998, the 2011 Cheval Blanc has turned out to be a top-notch success. Its deep garnet/plum/purple color is followed by hints of blueberry confiture intermixed with raspberries, mocha, damp forest and a hint of mint. Exhibiting a velvety, opulent texture along with considerable class and flesh as well as sweet tannin, this flavorful, forward 2011 should drink beautifully for two decades or more. The harvest at this estate lasted from September 6 through October 1 (for the Cabernet Franc).

93 -96 points,

Wine Spectator, April 2012

Very perfumy, with lovely red and black fruit that's pure and refined. There's a creamy feel, with hints of bergamot, cassis and toasted spice. Long and very suave through the finish. Well put together. Tasted non-blind.-J.M.

About Winery

Situated in the farthest corner of St. Emilion, bordering into Pomerol. (Appellation Saint Emilion Control...Premier Grand Cru Classe ...One of the rare properties to never have changed hands, the vineyard has been the property of the Fourcaud-Laussac for over 150 years. 15 hectares of land sold by Figeac to Monsieur Ducasse in 1832, and a further 15 hectares acquired in 1837 constituted the future Cheval Blanc. In 1854 Mademoiselle Ducasse married Monsieur Fourcaud-Laussac. On this occasion 5 hectares were added to the domaine which henceforth sold the wine under the name of Chateau Cheval blanc. Since this time, the heirs of Fourcaud-Laussac have run the domaine." www.chateau-cheval-blanc.com

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