1986 Cheval Blanc Bordeaux Blend

Bordeaux Blend - 750ML
Reg: $895.00
$825.00
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REVIEWS

JR 95 VN 94 WA 93
JR 95

Jancis Robinson's Purple Pages, June 2010

One of the finest 1986s I can remember. Pale/mid ruby. Very rich, sweet and subtle on the nose. So much more luscious than most 1986s. Round and supple. All that tannin has magically melted. Good bordeaux needs a very...
VN 94

Vinous, June 2023

Finally, the 1986 Cheval Blanc, a vintage that I had not tasted for several years. This was not a renowned growing season for the Right Bank, but this Saint-Emilion bucks the trends to produce one of its most attractive...
WA 93

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, December 2016

Tasted at the château, the 1986 Cheval Blanc has a far superior bouquet to the 1996 Cheval Blanc when I tasted them side by side. The aromatics here are far more cohesive and complex, very delineated with expressive...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Bordeaux Blend
Country France
Region Bordeaux
Sub-region Saint Emilion
Vintage 1986
Size 750ML

Chateau Cheval Blanc is a Premier Grand Cru Classe “A” estate located near Pomerol, but within the commune of Saint-Emilion. Its 39 hectares are divided into forty-five plots. While most of the appellation's other famous estates have limestone soil, Cheval Blanc's soil is alluvial, with roughly equal proportions of gravel and clay.

The vineyard has an original combination of grape varieties: 49% Cabernet Franc, 47% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Each plot has its own specific profile and, to a certain extent, are treated like separate vineyards because of differences in the age of the vines, grape variety, soil type, surface area, type of rootstock, etc. The combination of these many facets accounts for Cheval Blanc’s great complexity.

Archives show that vines have been grown at Cheval Blanc at least as far back as the 15th century, but the most prestigious part of Cheval Blanc's history can be dated from 1832 when the core plot of the present-day estate was purchased by Jean-Jacques Ducasse, President of the Libourne Trade Tribunal. Over the next twenty years, the purchase of plots belonging to Chateau Figeac led to the vineyard as we know it today.

The impressive 6,000 square-meter cellar adjacent to the chateau, designed by Christian de Portzamparc and inaugurated in June 2011, houses a state-of-the-art winemaking facility and features two enormous waves of white concrete that rise magnificently out of the ground. There is a garden of wild grasses atop an artificial hill, whose gracious curves are overlooked by the chateau. The wine cellar holds fifty-two concrete vats in six rows.

Formerly known as vin de Figeac, this wine was first sold under the name Cheval Blanc in 1852. The first gold medal won by Cheval Blanc came at the 1878 Universal Exhibition in Paris and that distinction appears on the label.

Each vineyard plot is vinified separately. At the start of fermentation, the juice is gently pumped over three times daily. As fermentation proceeds, pump-over frequency decreases and is eventually stopped when the desired level of extraction has been reached.

The young wine is aged 16 to 18 months in new French oak barrels. Six to seven different coopers are used to ensure complexity and harmony. During this period, the wine is racked by hand five to seven times. Blending takes place after the first three months.

Allow me to introduce you to the remarkable 1986 Cheval Blanc, a Bordeaux Blend from the renowned Saint Emilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine, with its elegant and sophisticated character, is a true gem in the world of wine.

In the glass, the 1986 Cheval Blanc displays a pale to mid-ruby hue, enticing the eye with its alluring presence. On the nose, the wine reveals its rich, sweet, and subtle aromas, a delightful surprise that distinguishes it from most 1986 vintages. The bouquet is beautifully nuanced, with notes of expressive Cabernet Franc, hints of cooked meat, cranberry, juniper berries, and wilted rose petals. This complex and cohesive aroma profile creates an irresistible invitation to indulge in the wine's charms.

On the palate, the 1986 Cheval Blanc showcases its impeccable balance, with slightly furry tannins that are perfectly offset by a superb seam of acidity. The structure is refined and harmonious, allowing the flavors of leather, truffle, and black fruit to shine through. The wine's finish is marked by a touch of austerity, which serves as a complementary element to the overall experience.

Despite the reputation of the 1986 vintage as not being exceptional for the Right Bank, the 1986 Cheval Blanc defies expectations and emerges as a true triumph. Even after 30 years, this wine continues to provide immense pleasure to those fortunate enough to savor it. Its ability to transcend time and deliver a truly memorable drinking experience is a testament to its exceptional quality.

Renowned wine critic Jancis Robinson awarded the 1986 Cheval Blanc an impressive score of 95, describing it as one of the finest 1986s she can remember. Similarly, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a score of 93, praising its superior bouquet and the incredible pleasure it still provides after three decades.

The 1986 Cheval Blanc is a wine that demands attention and admiration. Its elegance, complexity, and ability to age gracefully make it a true masterpiece of Bordeaux winemaking. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for further maturation, this wine is sure to captivate and enchant any wine lover fortunate enough to experience it.