Château Cheval Blanc

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

2003

Blend

56% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot

Wine designation

Château Cheval Blanc, Red, 2003
Category: Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, 1er Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux

Food pairing

Roast duck breast with cherry sauce, herb-crusted rack of lamb or pork filet mignon with prunes would make exemplary choices.

Château Cheval Blanc

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

2003

Tasting notes

Intense red color with dark highlights. First nose closed. On agitation, good ripeness of fruit, fig jam, spicy, notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, licorice stick. Well-integrated oak. Rich, complex attack, lots of volume on the palate with a harmonious structure. Full, mellow tannins. Beautiful fruit, notes of roasting, cocoa and coffee on the finish. Beautiful vinosity and great aromatic persistence.

Vineyard

Vineyard size: 39 hectares
Soil composition: Quaternary alluvium from the Isle river with clay and gravel.

Winemaking

Fermentation container: Designated concrete vats ranging in size from 20 to 110 hl, enabling plots to be vinified separately.
Maceration technique: Vatting time 24 to 31 days.
Aging: Oak Barrels
16-17 months in new barrels
Type of oak: French
Bottles produced: 66 246
Winemaker: Pierre Lurton

Heritage in the vineyard

Domaine

An extensive history tracing back to the 15th century classified at Premier Grand Cru Classé A. Purchased jointly in 1998 by Albert Frère and Bernard Arnault, the buildings and cellars have been renovated while maintaining the exterior landscape. The estate is also listed as a UNESCO heritage site.

Green in the vineyard

Environmental practices

Maintaining a strong commitment to environmental protection, Château Cheval Blanc does not employ herbicides, adopting a sustainable viticulture that combines respect for the environment with balanced reasoning.