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 2021 Cheval Blanc Bordeaux Blend from Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France, is garnering significant attention and praise from wine critics. This red wine, produced by Cheval Blanc, is noted for its exceptional expression of the vintage, with a composition of 52% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. This blend represents the highest percentage of Cabernet Franc used since 2011 and the first time it outweighs Merlot in the blend. The wine is sealed with a cork and has an alcohol content of 13.5%.

James Suckling of jamessuckling.com awarded the wine a near-perfect score of 98 points, stating, "This is so finely textured with very precise, tight tannins...Lots of layers here with black and blue fruit, stones, tar, dark cocoa and spices...Stays focused all the way. So precise." He highlights the meticulous craftsmanship and layered complexity of the wine.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate also praised the wine with a score of 97 points. William Kelley noted, "The 2021 Cheval Blanc has turned out beautifully in bottle...aromas of mulberries and cherries mingled with incense, iris and rose petals...a rich, concentrated mid-palate framed by sweet, powdery tannins and concluding with a long, penetrating, rose-inflected finish."

Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com echoed these sentiments, giving the wine 98 points and describing it as "a clear contender for wine of the vintage," highlighting its "majestic display of vibrant, al dente red fruits, and ripe, dark red berries...firm, cashmere, polished tannins."

Decanter's 96-point review by Jane Anson appreciated the wine's "aromatic complexity," noting its "beautiful bitter dark chocolate, blackcurrant, blackberries...smoked earth, liquorice and tobacco."

Vinous' Antonio Galloni rated it 98 points, calling it "outrageously beautiful" and praising its rich, luxurious feel with notes of "black cherry, plum, chocolate, dried herbs, menthol, licorice and mocha."

Other notable reviews include Wine Enthusiast's 97 points, Jeb Dunnuck’s 96 points, and Wine Spectator's 93 points, each acknowledging the wine's balanced structure, impressive aromatics, and potential for aging.

In summary, the 2021 Cheval Blanc is a standout Bordeaux Blend, noted for its complexity, precision, and elegance. It is well-regarded across multiple reviewers for its layered flavors, fine tannins, and long-lasting finish, making it a highly recommended wine for collectors and enthusiasts.