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.

The 2012 Cheval Blanc is a Bordeaux Blend from the renowned Saint Emilion region in Bordeaux, France. This red wine showcases the expertise of the esteemed Cheval Blanc producer, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to quality.

In the glass, the wine displays a deep, garnet color that hints at its complexity and maturity. The nose is immediately captivating, with a dense and broody aroma that combines red fruit notes with rocky undertones. There are also hints of marmalade, quince, and a touch of black tea, adding to the wine's allure.

On the palate, this wine truly shines. It offers a simultaneously loamy and creamy mouthfeel, with seamless layers of red and black currant, cherry, raspberry, and blackberry fruit. The fruit flavors are complemented by a long, tobacco-fueled finish that features alluring hints of black tea and incense. The wine's terroir is evident, showcasing the unique characteristics of the region.

The 2012 Cheval Blanc is medium-bodied but displays excellent concentration for the vintage. It feels harmonious and silky, with a citric acid edge that lends the finish the tension it needs to maintain its freshness. This wine has the potential to become a masculine Cheval Blanc with age, and it is recommended to cellar it for at least a decade to fully appreciate its depth and complexity.

Renowned wine critics have praised the 2012 Cheval Blanc for its exceptional quality. Wine Spectator awarded it a score of 95, describing it as "gorgeous in all facets" with a "broad, deep, and defined style." James Suckling awarded it a score of 93, noting its "ripe and fleshy" character and "excellent interplay of forest berry fruit." Neal Martin's Wine Journal gave it a score of 97, highlighting its "dense, broody" nose and "very good concentration." These accolades further confirm the superiority of this wine.

Overall, the 2012 Cheval Blanc is a sumptuous and perfumed wine that exemplifies the best of Bordeaux. Its rich plum flavors, velvety texture, and fresh acidity make it a truly remarkable and approachable wine. While it can be enjoyed now, it is recommended to cellar it until 2024 to fully appreciate its complexity and potential. This wine is a testament to the artistry of Cheval Blanc and a must-try for any wine enthusiast.