Château Cheval Blanc 1er Grand Cru Classé A (1993)

About this wine

The 1993 Château Cheval Blanc presents a deep ruby color with a slight purple hue. On the nose, it offers enticing aromas of sweet black fruits, coconut, vanilla, and a hint of menthol. The palate is medium-bodied and elegant, showcasing flavors of ripe plums, toasted oak, and subtle mineral notes. Silky tannins provide a smooth texture, leading to a fresh and lingering finish. This vintage reflects the estate's ability to produce balanced and aromatic wines even in challenging years.

About the grape

Château Cheval Blanc, located in Saint-Émilion, France, has a vineyard composition that is quite distinctive for the region. The estate's vineyards are primarily planted with Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with a smaller portion dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon. This blend has remained relatively consistent since 1911, reflecting the estate's commitment to its unique terroir and grape selection. The vineyard spans 39.5 hectares and is divided into 55 distinct plots, each with its own characteristics based on factors like soil type, grape variety, and vine age. This diversity allows for complex, nuanced wines that showcase the best of Saint-Émilion terroir. The estate's commitment to quality is evident in its grape selection and sustainable farming methods. While not certified organic, Cheval Blanc employs environmentally friendly practices, including minimal use of chemical treatments, cover crops between vine rows, and hand harvesting to ensure grape quality.

Quick facts

• 🌍 Château Cheval Blanc's vineyard spans 39 hectares, divided into 45 distinct plots, each with unique soil compositions and grape varieties, contributing to the wine's exceptional complexity.
• 🐎 The estate's name, 'Cheval Blanc,' translates to 'White Horse' in French, reflecting its rich heritage and standing in the wine world.
• 🍷 The 1993 vintage of Château Cheval Blanc received a 90-point rating from Wine Spectator, praised for its elegant plum, toasted oak, mineral, and berry aromas, with a fresh and lingering finish.
• 🎬 Château Cheval Blanc has been featured in popular culture, notably in the 2007 film 'Ratatouille,' where the 1947 vintage is ordered by the food critic Anton Ego.
• 🍇 The vineyard's unique terroir includes a mix of gravel, clay, and sandy soils, allowing for the cultivation of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a wine with remarkable balance and depth.

Palate profile

Producer

Château Cheval Blanc, located in Saint-Émilion, France, has a rich history dating back to the 15th century, with its modern estate taking shape in 1832 when Jean-Jacques Ducasse acquired land from Château Figeac. The estate gained international recognition in the late 19th century, earning medals at the Universal Exhibitions in London and Paris. In 1954, it achieved the prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé (A) status, a testament to its exceptional quality. Notably, in 2010, a bottle of its legendary 1947 vintage sold for over $300,000 at auction, setting a world record for the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold.