1983 Cheval Blanc
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Tasting notes
The 1983 Cheval Blanc, which incidentally was served from magnum, has consistently been one of the standout wines of the vintage. Here is one of the finest examples that I have encountered. Sure, its age can no longer be disguised thanks to its tawny-rimmed hue, but the aromatics burst full of red fruit, cigar box, beef stock and tobacco scents that immediately capture your senses. The palate is medium-bodied and very well balanced, underpinned by a keen line of acidity. There is so much freshness here after 30 years and yet it does not begrudge or disguise its age. Even from magnum, you feel that it is approaching the end of its drinking plateau, however there is still so much pleasure to be gained. Maintaining its savory core of fruit and meatiness, this remains a wonderful Cheval Blanc. Tasted March 2015.
Critic scores
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Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Bad weather in spring and late harvest 29 Sep-8 Oct – perfect weather. Yield only 32 hl/ha. Lots of Cabernet Franc. Very pale with brick rim – very rich, complete and glorious. Long and peacock’s tale on the finish. Very delicate – rather overwhelmed by the heavily spiced potstickers and matsutake mushroom emulsion served avec – shame because it’s still a very beautiful wine but it did not show its best with this strongly flavoured food. (JR)
This persistently undervalued wine looks remarkably similar to the 1982, its crimson still quite blackish though with its rim shading into brick. The nose is the same classic style as the 1985 but the wine is altogether fuller and richer, perhaps like a cross between 1982 and 1985. There's even a hint of the medicinal quality of the great 1947. Lead pencils and putty were two of the notes that sprang out of this lovely caress of ripe fruit on the front palate and a great fan of flavour (peacock's tail?) on the back of the palate. Neat, dry finish and a little more freshness than the 1982. (JR)
A giant of a wine. The complex aromas and thickly textured flavors range from plum and raisin to coffee, minerals and mint. Not so elegant as a typical Cheval. more in the mold of the powerful '47 and legendary '21. Drink or hold.--Cheval-Blanc vertical.-James Suckling, Wine Spectator 1999
About the producer
Ch. Cheval Blanc is one the finest producers in Bordeaux. The Saint-Emilion estate’s Cabernet Franc-dominant wines are consistently among the top wines of the vintage.