Le Petit Cheval 2014

The colour of the 2014 Petit Cheval (second wine from chateau Cheval Blanc) is highly concentrated, with an even deeper centre. The initial bouquet is intensely minty, featuring blackcurrant and violet aromas, leading into floral and powdered almond notes, with hint of lilac. Barrel-ageing has contributed to hints of cocoa. The overall impression is of subtle sweetness. The flavour starts out soft and concentrated, leading into a lovely, fruity freshness. The mid-palate of this Saint-Emilion is velvety and delicate. The long aftertaste is very elegant.

Wine Advocate-Parker :
The 2014 Le Petit Cheval, a blend of 52% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Franc, has a crisp, tightly wound bouquet with blackberry, black olive (as per its primeur sample) and a subtle estuarine undercurrent that becomes more conspicuous with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit intermingling with white pepper, clove and a pinch of Chinese five spice. It has moderate depth, a sense of approachability in that the tannins do not really grip the mouth, and the latter half appears appealingly smooth and harmonious. There are no rough edges here, just a touch of frisson on the saline finish. Very fine, a Saint Emilion Deuxième Vin to drink over the next decade.