Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2019 is Château Cheval Blanc’s rare dry white wine, bottled as Bordeaux Blanc rather than Saint-Émilion, and sourced from the estate’s Right Bank holdings. The blend is Sauvignon Blanc with 20% Sémillon, a component that has materially shaped the wine’s recent style. Jane Anson notes that it “has taken a leap in depth and character since the addition of Sémillion as of the 2018 vintage,” and calls 2019 “an excellent vintage of this wine” (94, janeanson.com). Decanter also underlines the mix, describing “precision and breadth… in this mouthwatering Sauvignon Blanc with 20% Semillon” (94, Decanter).

Across critics, the 2019 leans into bright citrus and lifted aromatics while carrying more texture than many straightforward Sauvignon-based Bordeaux blancs. Anson highlights “fleshy citrus… in the rich texture” with “a contrasting scrape of fresh acidities,” plus “gooseberry and lime zest flavours” (Jane Anson). Wine Spectator similarly calls it “bright and pure,” layering “white peach, Key lime, verbena and tarragon accents,” and finishing “suave and lingering” (92, Wine Spectator). Jeb Dunnuck is especially enthusiastic, calling it “a stunning white… worth seeking out,” with “vibrant citrus, white flowers, lime, and chalky mineral notes,” and the “balance to evolve for over a decade” (93, JebDunnuck.com).

Texture and élevage are part of the story. Decanter attributes its “full and creamy texture” to “lees ageing,” with a “long and crystalline” finish (94, Decanter). Jeff Leve points to a broader flavor spectrum—“yellow citrus, white flowers, vanilla, green apple and orange blossom”—and praises the “lift, vibrancy and purity,” adding a “mild touch of honey and spice” on the close (94, TheWineCellarInsider.com).

Not every note is unqualified. Neal Martin finds it “well-balanced with fine weight,” though “a bit too toasty towards the finish,” suggesting it “perhaps [is] not one that will cellar as long as others” (91, Vinous). Still, at its best, Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2019 stands out as a serious, polished Bordeaux white with both energy and shape, and it has drawn several excellent reviews in the 94-point range.