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.

The 2009 Cheval Blanc Bordeaux Blend from Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France, is a standout vintage that has garnered near-universal acclaim from professional reviewers. This red wine, produced by Cheval Blanc and sealed with a cork, boasts an alcohol content of 14.1%.

The wine's composition is a blend of 56% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, a combination that has resulted in a deeply impressive wine. Lisa Perrotti-Brown from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a perfect score of 100, describing it as "deep garnet colored" with "profound notions of baked blueberries, blackberry compote, and crème de cassis" and highlighting its "elegant, super fine-grained tannins" and "beautiful freshness."

James Suckling also praised the 2009 Cheval Blanc, giving it a score of 99. He noted its "super-spicy" character, calling it "extremely elegant" with "enormous concentration and finesse." He described the finish as "complex" and suggested it could be enjoyed now or held for further aging.

Wine Spectator's review, scoring it 98, emphasized the wine's "dense brooding" nature and "richly coated" profile with "steeped black currant, fig paste, and roasted plum fruit." They predicted it as one of the most "long-lived wines of the vintage," recommending it be best enjoyed from 2017 through 2035.

Neal Martin of Neal Martin's Wine Journal, who rated it 97, highlighted its "sophisticated" nature, with "pure Morello cherry, redcurrants, and fresh strawberries," commending its "wonderful finesse and poise."

The Wine Independent's Lisa Perrotti-Brown also awarded it 100 points, noting the wine's "deep garnet-brick color" and "densely packed black fruits" with "super-plush tannins" and an "epic length."

Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com described it as "pure, unadulterated, sex in the bottle wine," praising its "polished velvet" texture and opulent finish. He predicted it would only improve with further aging.

Jeb Dunnuck, who also gave it 100 points, marveled at its "full-bodied richness" and "seamless texture," praising its "flawless balance" and predicting it would be a masterpiece for the next 20-30 years.

In summary, the 2009 Cheval Blanc is a wine that has impressed critics across the board, with its elegance, depth, and potential for long-term aging. It is a wine that exemplifies the best of Bordeaux, making it a worthy investment for collectors and connoisseurs alike.