At a glance

Producer

Château Cheval Blanc

Region

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Merlot (59.5%), Cabernet Franc (37.2%), Cabernet Sauvignon (3.3%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$700-$1000+ (retail and auction prices depending on provenance and market)

Tasting profile

Ripe dark fruits (blackcurrant, plum), floral hints, graphite, truffle, cedar wood; tannic structure apparent; balanced with vibrant acidity

Evolution: Over next decade will add complex tertiary notes: earthy, leather, tobacco, forest floor; tannins will soften

At peak: Complex bouquet and full integration of fruit and savory elements; velvety texture and lingering finish

Structure

Acidity

Balanced with freshness, typical of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Tannins

Firm, polished, ripe tannins delivering great aging backbone

Alcohol

13.5% - 14%

Aging potential

30-50+ years, classic longevity expected from a top Saint-Émilion Grand Cru in a great vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2060

Optimal window

2024 to 2063

Current status

Approaching early maturity, still developing

Current condition

The 2016 vintage is currently showing rich fruit with strong structure; tannins are firm but integrated; acidity balanced; primary and secondary aromas developing

The 2016 vintage was a top-tier growing season for Bordeaux, especially Saint-Émilion, producing structured, concentrated wines with excellent balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins. This supports 30-50+ years aging. Initial fruit exuberance will mellow into nuanced tertiary complexity while the tannin backbone ensures longevity.

Food pairing

Perfect with classic Bordeaux pairings: roasted lamb, duck confit, game birds, aged cheeses, mushroom risotto, or dishes with savory herb sauces.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and promote aromatic lift in a young, structured wine

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Use of cover crops, minimal chemical treatments, biodiversity promotion in vineyards, energy-efficient winery operations, water conservation measures

Château Cheval Blanc is a leading estate embracing sustainable viticulture with ongoing efforts towards organic/biodynamic farming. Their environmental certifications underline commitment to reduce agrochemical use and promote ecosystem health. Winery operations use renewable energy and water-efficient systems. Packaging focuses on lighter bottles to reduce transportation emissions, though global distribution contributes to carbon footprint. Overall, sustainability is strong with room for continued improvement toward full organic certification.