2003 Petit Cheval
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Tasting notes
A sleeper of the vintage, the 2003 Le Petit Cheval includes the highest percentage of Cabernet Franc used in this cuvee to date. Composed of 77% Cabernet Franc and 23% Merlot, it displays an incredibly complex nose of sous-bois, freshly chopped porcini mushrooms, blueberries, raspberries and coffee. The beautiful aromatics are somewhat of a let-down once the wine hits the palate, but there is enough fruit, texture and interest to hold the taster’s interest. This lovely second wine may deserve an outstanding rating. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years. One of the principal theories of the bizarre, historically hot and dry summer of 2003 is that grapes planted in gravelly and sandy soils were the least successful. If that was true 100% of the time, Cheval Blanc would have made a horrible wine. In fact, both the grand vin and second wine at Cheval Blanc did well in this vintage. It was the earliest harvest in over 110 years at this estate, and the resulting wine is a beauty.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Deep, serious, savoury crimson. Mossy, 'interesting' nose – VERY different from the mainstream of St-Emilion. Quite chewy with lots of acidity. Not really gracious or graceful – and at this stage it shows the same lack of definition. (JR)
(a 50/50 blend of merlot and cabernet franc) Ruby-red. Pure aromas of blackberry, cassis, violet and bitter chocolate. Fresh and juicy, with sappy flavors of dark berries and violet. Conveys a lovely sweetness, but finishes with a slight tart edge.
A sleeper of the vintage, the 2003 Le Petit Cheval includes the highest percentage of Cabernet Franc used in this cuvee to date. Composed of 77% Cabernet Franc and 23% Merlot, it displays an incredibly complex nose of sous-bois, freshly chopped porcini mushrooms, blueberries, raspberries and coffee. The beautiful aromatics are somewhat of a let-down once the wine hits the palate, but there is enough fruit, texture and interest to hold the taster’s interest. This lovely second wine may deserve an outstanding rating. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years. Aug 2014, www.robertparker.com
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.