Inside Château CHEVAL BLANC: The Legendary Saint-Émilion Winery

[@vinvoyage]

When it comes to the finest estates in Bordeaux like the prestigious Cheval Blanc, I really wouldn’t trust anybody else to discuss them - especially this celebrated gem of Saint-Émilion - other than you. I may be biased but not without reason. And I believe this video proves me right beyond reasonable doubt. Such a comprehensive, insightful, detailed, intelligent, and authoritative discussion of Château Cheval Blanc and its history, wines, winemaking style, and best vintages. Your wine-collecting and wine-buying strategies are, likewise, excellent inclusions in this outstanding wine content. Also love the elegance that you exude in the video, befitting the class and sophistication of Château Cheval Blanc. Felicitations, John! Truly a superb video - brilliant through and through. Santé et bon weekend! (Pardon the typos if any; typing this while on a quick coffee break before I get back on the road.😊)

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much, Margaux! Very glad that you enjoyed the video. This is such an iconic producer and this video has been one I thought about for a long time. I did not see much content about Cheval Blanc that would give viewers a comprehensive overview from the standpoint of a wine collector, so hopefully this will be useful! Cheers!

[@vinvoyage]

@@AttorneySomm You took the words right out of my mouth when you said that you “did not see much content about Cheval Blanc that would give viewers a comprehensive overview from the standpoint of a wine collector” - I couldn’t have said it better! And yes, it’s definitely a very helpful and valuable video! Well done, John!

[@AttorneySomm]

@@vinvoyage Thanks very much! Greatly appreciate it.

[@rjo8500]

I like the fact you regularly talk about “seconds” in your videos. There is usually great value and pleasant experiences to be found in those wines. For example, I’m a huge fan of Montrose and enjoy La Dame de Montrose. Actually just last night had a 2015 La Dame. With that vintage of La Dame I experienced a floral, gravitating nose, nice complexity, smooth tannins and a long finish which made it an absolute bargain.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Completely agree with you. There are some tremendous second and even third wines from top producers.

[@jacob9540]

Another great video. Considering your extensive experience with Bordeaux, I’d love to see you do a video re-ranking the original classed growths of Bordeaux to see which wines you promote or demote.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! I have actually been considering how to do that. I have even started a reclassification. It is a fairly ambitious project though, and would probably take me at least five videos to cover it thoroughly - especially if right bank and pessac leognan producers were included. I will keep thinking about a way to do this most effectively. And I do very much appreciate this suggestion! 👍🍷

[@jacob9540]

@@AttorneySomm Excited to hear that! Troy’s Tasting Room and Wine, Money, and Song have both done similar videos re-classifying Bordeaux producers. I like the popular “tier-ranking” format that is very common on KZbin for all sorts of things like music, movies, videogames, etc.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@jacob9540 Thanks! I’ll give it some thought. I tend to over-analyze and make things complicated. 😂

[@jacob9540]

@@AttorneySomm your thorough analysis of specific wine topics is exactly why I love your page! Most wine KZbinrs tend to make videos that are very beginner-friendly which is nice, but there’s not enough videos geared towards people who already have a deeper understanding of wine

[@AttorneySomm]

@@jacob9540 Very glad you appreciate the in-depth approach!

[@baggrabb]

Great video, as always. Glad you mentioned counterfeiting. Reliable vendors are absolutely necessary for these trophy wines. I’m very interested in the secession from the appellation, would appreciate more on that. 🙏🍷

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! They are still in the appellation, they are just not participating in the classification. There has been lots of litigation and there are numerous requirements to maintain classification, especially at the highest levels. For producers like Cheval Blanc, Ausone and Angelus, they don't really need the benefit of the classification as their reputation is pretty well established. But its definitely a problem for less prestigous producers.

[@baggrabb]

@@AttorneySomm the French do love their classifications, it seems. I think it’s healthy that some are seceding.

[@ivansanchez6202]

Great video, Cheval Blanc when it's done right Supreme Tier Level!!!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Completely agree! When it's on, there is nothing like it!

[@noahcap]

Great video. The only wine from this producer that I've tried is the Petit Cheval Blanc, and I must say that it is exceptional. It compares favorably with some other very nice Bordeaux Blanc that I've had (Ygrec, Aile d'Argent, Pavillon Blanc), though I have not had the pleasure of trying the whites from Haut Brion or La Mission, so I can't comment how it compares to those. Keep up the great work!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Appreciate you weighing in. I'll definitely have to try it!

[@henriklindhansen6456]

Cheval Blance and Ch Lafleure. 1989 and 1990. Are in my top 3 of all time best wines.. When you hit those wines at its peek, your in for Magic....😁

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Completely agree with you!

[@vinvoyage]

Thank you for the pin, John! Much appreciated!

[@AttorneySomm]

You're welcome! Appreciate the support and kind feedback.

[@hxl6162]

Shared with my wine groups on WhatsApp

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Certainly appreciate the support! Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

[@scottdunlap8668]

John, lucky enough to get a ‘12. I know it’ll last for a long time, but I have to temper that with my extreme desire to devour it. When’s the earliest you’d uncork this bad boy?

[@AttorneySomm]

That is terrific! An excellent wine if you are going to open one early. It is in the early part of its drinking window now. This is an opulent, velvety wine. Hope you enjoy it!

[@nullnull1700]

I love Priorat wines but last time didn't manage to visit Vall Llach. Next time maybe. Mas Doix is still one of the best to visit there

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Completely agree. Vall llach is incredible!

[@robertfenti3996]

Yes I heard that also 1947 Cheval Blanc Wine of the Century

[@AttorneySomm]

It must be a very special bottle indeed! I can only imagine how impressive it was in magnum.

[@thomaskoons9242]

Though I’m probably never gonna splash out for a bottle of Cheval Blanc, I did buy four bottles of Cheval des Andes. I was in St Emilion last month and we toured Le Dome. The price per bottle there no matter the vintage was €480. You can get the same wines here for $150. I don’t think that’s the case with Cheval Blanc though.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks for weighing in. Hope you enjoyed your trip! Yes, the price for the top wine is one reason that I emphasized the second wine so heavily in this video. Especially when the 2020 is not far off from the top wine in lesser vintages, $175 for that wine is an attractive proposition in my view.

[@thomaskoons9242]

@@AttorneySomm I did. We went to Domaine de Chevalier (my favorite). It was just me and a friend and the tour and tasting were phenomenal (2005 Blanc and rouge). Olivier did the tasting portion and that was a treat. I mentioned your KZbin channel and he said he has watched it! We hit Domaine de la Solitude, Lynch Bages and Jacobins as well. Brought back 2014 Cos d’Estournel, 1986 DDC Blanc, 2001 Montrose and 1978 Margaux amongst others.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@thomaskoons9242 That all sounds fantastic! Very glad to hear it. And thanks for letting me know Olivier has watched my channel too! That is very cool. Sounds like a nice haul on the wines to bring home as well!

[@cleftoftherock6797]

Excellent

[@AttorneySomm]

@@cleftoftherock6797 Thank you kindly! Cheers!

[@tarekhamid3882]

Hello John. As a collector, expert on, and lover over Bordeaux wines I'm eager to get your advice: Hoping to try one (because of the expense) 1sr Growth Pauillacs... specifically Mouton or Lafite. a 2016. Given that I have a ONE SHOT at this REALM... which of the 2 would you recommend.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks! A very touch choice! Both wines are triple 100-pointers! They are both very young, though. I would probably go with the Mouton as I think that one may have a slight edge for 2016. If you want to try a phenomenal Mouton for about the same price as these two and that is ready to enjoy now, you might see if you can find a well-preserved 1986 Mouton. The 1990 or 1996 Lafite would be an excellent choice for an aged Lafite too. The 2016s will last 50-75 years and won't be at their peak for at least another 15 plus years. Hope this helps! Cheers!

[@j00hizzle]

Berns list is huge! Some prices are ridiculous ($3k for a 1996 Margaux) whereas others (DRC premier cru for $1k) weird question but are these prices firm? I feel compelled to ask for negotiated pricing even though I’d never dare with lesser cost wines. Is this gauche?

[@AttorneySomm]

Yes they have a huge inventory of 500,000 plus bottles! Prices for many wines have gone up dramatically there the past 4-6 years. We usually get a group and give them guidance and a total budget. I think they probably give us better value that way due to the overall spend. I haven’t tried to negotiate the price for a specific wine there. I think your best bet would be to try to get them to stretch and include more value in your overall budget than to offer less for a specific bottle.

[@Info123aqua]

Hi. I am not sure you will see this. If you can help me decide which one to get. 2008, 2012 or 2021 cheval blanc. It's all in the same price range. That will show its best. Thank you

[@AttorneySomm]

@@Info123aqua great question! 21 is the best wine but it needs more time. At least 5-6 more years. So long term I’d choose that. If you want one to enjoy in the near term, I would select the 2008.

[@Info123aqua]

Thx

[@Info123aqua]

Another question.. Cheval or auson. Which one would you choose for the same vintage

[@AttorneySomm]

@@Info123aqua I’d probably go with Cheval Blanc.

[@Info123aqua]

Oh OK..surprise. Have you ever done a video on auson?

[@denisdonohue1863]

I had a bottle of 1961 Chateau Cheval Blanc that I was waiting to pop when we and my ex wife got back together. I ended up drinking it at an IN-&-OUT after midnight with a double double animal style.

[@AttorneySomm]

I bet that was amazing! Did you have a proper glass? Someone on another platform told me that was their all-time favorite wine.

[@denisdonohue1863]

nope, I spilled a Dr pepper out and poured it into a paper cup @@AttorneySomm

[@AttorneySomm]

@@denisdonohue1863 Sounds like the end to Sideways!

[@ronmcmartin4513]

@@denisdonohue1863 --Coincidentally, Cheval is usually close to 50% Merlot, even though you hate Merlot.

[@denisdonohue1863]

@@ronmcmartin4513 never was wowed by Cab Franc either…

[@cookandrideflorida]

Ahh, Bern’s, a national treasure.

[@AttorneySomm]

Agreed! Such a tremendous cellar!

[@oscarayala3]

Have you tired the 1995?

[@AttorneySomm]

Yes, it has an austerity that I don't want in Cheval Blanc. Tasting it blind, I would guess it was a Bordeaux from the Left Bank. It is always a treat to taste Cheval Blanc, but that is not a vintage I would seek out.

[@oscarayala3]

Same experience, just wanted to see if it was the bottle. Underwhelming for my first and only CB experience.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@oscarayala3 Thank you. Unfortunately, it is not alone. Lots of 95s are still austere and overly structured without much fruit. 96s are showing much better generally now.

[@Ruirspirul]

with respect of course but Bordeaux has some of the most generic and non unique soils out there, literally all regions that grow wine will have variations of soils Bordeaux has… mind you I am not saying Bordeaux does not have unique Terroir. it has. but soil is just one, minor part of it.

[@AttorneySomm]

This video is just about Cheval Blanc and its wines; not Bordeaux generally. And I never said that Bordeaux soils are talismanic or the sole reason for Bordeaux's success; much less Cheval Blanc's. The point is that Cheval Blanc has three distinct soil types. This diversity helps add complexity because the fruit from each soil type expresses itself differently and adds complexity when blended. Winemakers in other regions such as Rioja I have visited confirmed that having a variety of soil types in the vineyard is a big asset and is one reason why that producer can make such outstanding wines too. As discussed, for Cheval Blanc specifically, there is also a warmer microclimate, world-class winemaking. and other contributing factors.

[@Ruirspirul]

@@AttorneySomm perfectly put. my frustration comes when people (not you) equate terroir with soil when in reality soil is just one part of the whole magic

[@AttorneySomm]

@@Ruirspirul Thank you! Yes, that is totally understandable. Always appreciate your input. Cheers!

[@ronmcmartin4513]

@@Ruirspirul--After our dust-up last time, I agree with you this time. Intermediate enthusiasts use the lingo to differentiate themselves from Newbies. That happens with every hobby/passion.

[@Ruirspirul]

@@ronmcmartin4513 you are in the wrong thread of replies on a wrong video