Chateau Cheval Blanc 2021

One of Bordeaux's most iconic wines, Château Cheval Blanc reveals extraordinary layers of blackberry, plum, violet, graphite, cedar, and exotic spice. Silky tannins, remarkable freshness, and exceptional complexity create a timeless Saint-Émilion with legendary aging potential.

Food Pairing: Pair with beef Wellington, roast lamb, venison, duck breast, truffle dishes, aged Comté, or wild mushroom risotto.

98 Points - James Suckling

The aromas of currants and flowers with hints of stones and sandalwood are enticing. Medium- to full-bodied, with an impressive structure of polished yet intense and focused tannins that run the length of the wine. Both the acidity and tannins play off each other, giving a punchy character. A classic Cheval Blanc. Only 13.3% alcohol. 52% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

98 Points - Vinous

Rich and explosive in feel, the 2021 Cheval Blanc is outrageously beautiful. For the first time since 2011, the Grand Vin is more than 50% Cabernet Franc. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, dried herbs, menthol, licorice and mocha are all amplified in this potent, luxurious Cheval Blanc. Polished, seamless tannins wrap it all together. This is one of my favorites of the vintage. – Antonio Galloni

97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2021 Cheval Blanc has turned out beautifully in bottle, and director Pierre-Olivier Clouet even considers it to be superior to the 2020, a preference that I share. Wafting from the glass with aromas of mulberries and cherries mingled with incense, iris and rose petals, framed by a deft touch of new oak, it's medium- to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a velvety attack that segues into a rich, concentrated mid-palate framed by sweet, powdery tannins and concluding with a long, penetrating, rose-inflected finish.

97 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Nearly 60% of the blend is Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this is an impressively structured wine. Power and density are right up front, there are fruit and spice tones along with a fine lift at the end.

96 Points - Decanter

Smells wonderful, the nose full of milk chocolate and fragranced cherries, so pure and precise. Wonderfully clean and delineated—also has a sense of weight and expanse to the aromas—blueberries and blue flowers. Taut and controlled, this strikes an immediate buzz in the mouth, straight and focused, not much deviation from the core, but this has a nice texture that gives a bounce to the expression. Still young and a bit coiled, but this carries wonderful freshness and a real sense of drinkability. It’s on the light side, some new oak coming out in the spiced edges and liquorice undertone, but I like the no-frills nature. Not showing off at all, but giving refined elegance. When it’s ready, it will be a real pleasure to drink.

96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

The Grand Vin 2021 Château Cheval Blanc is unquestionably a candidate for the wine of the vintage. Based on 52% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon (the 2011 comes close to this blend), it has a vivid purple hue as well as gorgeous aromatics of black raspberries, spring flowers, cassis, freshly sharpened pencils and damp earth. Medium- to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced and incredibly elegant, it has plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe, polished tannins and a great finish. While it already offers pleasure, it deserves 4–5 years in the cellar and will shine over the following two decades.

93 Points - Wine Spectator

Polished and inviting in feel, offering notes of dark cherry and plum purée infused with black tea, followed by persistent echoes of warm stone, violet and bay through the lengthy finish. Lacks the density of a classic, but displays a seamless feel that avoids the austerity of the vintage. Great effort. Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2040.