Château Cheval Blanc

The Modern Renaissance of Château Cheval Blanc: A Retrospective Analysis (2009–2022) by Tb.

Sitting along the border of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, Château Cheval Blanc occupies a sacred position in the pantheon of fine wine. While much of the Right Bank is defined by limestone plateaus and Merlot dominance, Cheval Blanc thrives on an unusual mosaic of Quaternary gravels and deep clay. This unique terroir—combined with a exceptionally high r...

Despite the icy wind and lashing rain, a large group of villagers had gathered on the narrow streets of Saint-Émilion to receive Henry IV, King of France. He was expected to stop at the village on his way from Paris to his birthplace of Pau. The weather conditions and the long journey were taxing, however, and the exhausted horses in the King’s retinue had to be replaced. The King’s famous pedantry threatened to ruin the expedition, as he woul...

Behind Cheval Blanc’s unique character and blend lies a multilayered soil base in which Cabernet Franc thrives better than anywhere else. The 41-hectare estate is located on a gravelly plain on the northwestern edge of Saint-Émilion, flanking the legendary region of Pomerol. Its closest neighbours are L’Evangile and Le Conseillante. Pétrus is just a stone’s throw away.

The earth comprises three different ground types. On the surface are san...

Lurton has also made development efforts in the production process. Fermentation takes place at a temperature of 30–32 degrees Celsius, which is allowed to fall naturally without artificial regulation towards the end of the process. At the initial stages of fermentation, Lurton uses the pumping-over method for colour extraction and to prevent reductive aromas from building up. After fermentation, skin extraction continues for three weeks befor...

Co-Owner of Château Cheval-Blanc Albert Frère Dies

The richest man in Belgium, Frère was a passionate wine lover worth an estimated $5.8 billion.

Albert Frère, co-owner of Bordeaux's famed Château Cheval-Blanc in St.-Emilion, died Dec. 3 at age 92. The Belgian billionaire was a co-investor with Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH, when they acquired the legendary estate in 1998.

"I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend," ...