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Wine Description
The Story
Whether by design or by pure chance, there are in the world exceptional places. Cheval Blanc is one of these. Combining a unique soil with a symbiotic mix of grape varieties, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, Cheval Blanc produces a wine, which has the rare quality of being good at any age. It is without doubt one of the most consistent wines in the world. Cheval Blanc's unique identity is due to its varied soils, early-ripening microclimate, the percentage of Cabernet Franc in the vineyard, and the close proximity of the finest wines of Pomerol.
Château Cheval Blanc has the rare ability to be good at whatever age. It is enjoyable young or as much as a century old in certain vintages. However, a great wine only reveals its full potential and all its subtle nuances after several years in bottle. It takes time to show its true colours and before reaching its peak. Every vintage of Cheval Blanc is made according to the traditional philosophy that great wine needs to age.
It should nevertheless be said that wines with ageing potential go through several periods, and that each one has its own type of attractiveness. This is all part of Château Cheval Blanc's fascinating complexity. Three different bottles of Cheval Blanc from the same vintage drunk at five, twenty, and forty years of age will each show a different facet of the same wine, variations on the same lovely theme. A bottle of fine wine meant to age is like a library of flavours that develop throughout its existence.
Wine is a "cultural" beverage that is very much alive and develops countless nuances over time. That is why this long waiting period needs to be respected. It is crucial to the wine's evolution, so that it can deliver its very best.
Wine Information
1993 was a cool, wet vintage, but a dry spell in July and August had a very salutary effect. This was a Merlot year in which the wines were well-balanced, very aromatic, and showed good ageing potential.
The three first months of the year were mild and exceptionally dry. The above-average temperatures continued on through April, May, and June, but these three months were also very wet, with twice the usual rainfall. July was cool, with average precipitation, whereas August was dry with temperatures in keeping with the seasonal norm. A period of beautiful weather In the middle of the month had a decisive effect on vintage quality. A slight water stress prevented the berries from swelling and brought vegetative growth to an abrupt halt. September was cold (-1.8°C less than average) with heavy showers starting on the 9th. The same type of weather continued into the first half of October.
The growing season started slightly ahead of schedule, with bud break in early April (2/4/93 at Cheval-Blanc), followed by mid-véraison in early August (6/8/93 for Merlot and 13/8/93 for Cabernet Franc). A wet month of June brought with it a major attack of mildew, and plant protection measures were absolutely necessary. The harvest started on the 20th of September for Merlot and the 27th of that month for Cabernet Franc. Picking drew to a close on the 5th of October. Yields were relatively high.
