1996 Cheval Blanc
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Tasting notes
Tasted at the château, the 1996 Cheval Blanc was a majority of Cabernet Franc although the exact blend is not known. Firstly, the color is a healthy garnet with a mahogany rim. The bouquet has good intensity although it is certainly not a complex set of aromas: dusky black fruit, game, clove and a faint touch of hickory. The palate is quite sharp on the entry with noticeable acidity. My main criticism is a lack of cohesion and a lack of Merlot to bind everything together and lend fleshiness. It seems to be rather monochromatic, a Cheval Blanc with a single note, the finish conservative with a touch of black pepper and cooked meat, but a little frayed around the edges. I would drink bottles now and maybe larger formats would yield more pleasure. The bottom line is this is not one of the great Cheval Blancs and that is reflected in my score. Tasted July 2016.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Very classic vintage, with 55-60% Cabernet Franc – a Cabernet Franc year. 1996 is a left bank year whereas 1995 was a right bank year. Mid crimson with minimal ageing at the rim. Looks quite thick and rich to judge from the viscosity. Much more obviously Cheval on the nose than the 1999. Intense and lovely fragrance and good potential for development. Very successful bridge between ancient and modern styles. This looked exceptionally good on the day. This was the surprise of this tasting – the best bottle to date. (JR)
Crimson just becoming dark ruby. Exotic spices on the nose and a little dry on the finish. More intense than the 1995, almost like crimson ink! Lots of acidity and a little awkward. Not quite in balance. A bit green and gawky at the moment. (JR)
Not the deepest colour and a more developed bouquet than most. Warm, classic, Cheval Blanc nose with breadth, lift and integrity then very fine tannins. As with Haut Brion, there is some fresh acidity here but the overall impression is of a wonderfully lively wine. (JR)
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.