Le Petit Cheval Blanc

The story of Petit Cheval blanc began in 2006 when Château Cheval Blanc acquired Château La Tour du Pin, a cru classé of around eight hectares. The two properties are separated only by the road leading from Saint-Emilion to Pomerol.

2019

Wine Advocate 91: Exhibiting aromas of plums, sweet wild berries, rose petals, spices and cigar wrapper, the 2019 Le Petit Cheval is medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, with supple tannins and succulent acids. Pierre-Olivier Clouet explains that his aspiration is to produce 100% Cheval Blanc and that, as a result, this cuvée simply represents anything that doesn't belong in the grand vin's blend. Of course, however, it shares some of the latter's DNA.

Vinous 91: The 2019 Le Petit Cheval Blanc feels more Sauvignon-driven on the nose, Granny Smith apples and gooseberry. A touch of wild nettle emerges with time. The palate is well-balanced with fine weight, not quite as complex as the best dry white in the flight, just a bit too toasty towards the finish. But there is sufficient length and freshness, but perhaps not one that will cellar as long as others.

2020

Vinous 96: The 2020 Le Petit Cheval Blanc is fabulous. Rich, creamy and wonderfully expansive, the 2020 is just gorgeous. Lemon confit, white flowers, passion fruit and a touch of oak all grace this wonderfully expressive dry white from Cheval Blanc. I especially like how the 2020 gains freshness with aeration, always a good sign with whites. There's tremendous precision and class here.

2021

Wine Advocate 90: A rich and exotic blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, the 2021 Le Petit Cheval Blanc bursts with aromas of green mango, passion fruit, lime and white flowers, followed by a medium-bodied, ample and fleshy palate that's satiny, textural and perfumed.

Vinous 94: The 2021 Le Petit Cheval (Blanc) is fabulous. Silky and intensely aromatic, with tons of Sauvignon Blanc character, the 2021 is all raciness. Pear, slate, mint, crushed rocks, lime and white pepper abound, all framed by brisk acids and gorgeous saline undertones. The 2021 is 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon.

2023

James Suckling 94-95: There’s depth of fruit, good structure and freshness in this black-cherry and chocolate-scented wine. It’s full-bodied, yet it tightens up on the finish. Toned, muscular and crisp. 10% of the production of Cheval. 50% merlot and 50% cabernet franc.