1988 Chateau Cheval Blanc 2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc 2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc 2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc 2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc 2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc
1988 Chateau Cheval Blanc
2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc
2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc
2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc
2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc
2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc

1988 Chateau Cheval Blanc

Red Bordeaux Blend

France / Bordeaux / Libournais / Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

$5,870
RP 88
Size:
Cantidad:

1988 Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, France

This cool and dry year was conducive to the slow and complete ripening necessary to produce great Cheval Blanc. This outstanding wine, elegant and ethereal, possesses great freshness and balance. The range of aromas is especially complex and the wine has aged beautifully​.

Weather conditions and vine’s growing cycle

TEMPERATURES AND RAINFALL
The temperatures were close to average from April to the end of September, except for the cool month of July. The thermometer went over 33.5°C for three of the first ten days of September. However, it was rather cool at the end of the ripening period. The beginning of the growth cycle was wet, but a very dry spell set in starting in late June. There were just 90 mm. of precipitation from July to September.

WATER BALANCE
A slight degree of water stress appeared starting in late June. This water deficit, accentuated in July, August, and September due to limited rainfall, was unquestionably beneficial to the vines.

GROWING SEASON
After a cool, wet spring, the growing season was off to a somewhat late start in 1988. Flowering took place around the 10th of June and véraison occurred on about the 20th of August. Although there was a threat of mildew at the beginning of the growth cycle, this was completely thwarted by the return of fine weather after flowering. The weather was beautiful during the harvest, which lasted from the 1st to the 10th of October.

Merlot 
1988 harvest dates: October, 1st - October, 4th
Average harvest dates (1986-2014): September, 19th - September, 27th

Cabernet franc
1988 harvest dates: October, 4th - October, 10th
Average harvest dates (1986-2014): September, 27th - October, 5th

Features of the vintage

RIPENING AND YIELDS
The relatively cool, but very dry conditions during ripening were ideal for locking in rich aromas. The grapes were ripe, but not at all overripe, and displayed a great balance between sugar and acidity. Yields were fairly high: 40 hectolitres per hectare 1988 Cheval Blanc is a great Bordeaux: very classic and with great ageing potential.

1988 yield (hl/ha): 40.8
Average yield: 1946 to 2014: 33.9

BLENDING
Degree of alcohol: 12.5
Total acidity (g H2 S04/L): 3.53
Volatile acidity (g H2 SO4/L): 0.6
pH: –
Total SO2 (mg/L): 136
Reducing sugar content (g/L): 1.0
IPT (DO280): –


Tasting

15 April 2010
This is a great classic year at Cheval Blanc. The wine is complex, ethereal, balanced, and elegant. It has aged wonderfully in bottle. The deep intense colour shows bricking in keeping with its age. The initial impression on the nose is of considerable complexity and concentration, with nuances of menthol, truffle, and Virginia tobacco. Further aeration brings out forest floor aromas reminiscent of a walk in the woods after the rain, as well as leather, cinnamon, and clove notes. The wine’s paramount qualities are elegance and finesse. This is a concentrated, exceptionally well-balanced wine on the palate with a refreshing spiciness as well as sensations of mint, mocha, caramel, and Russian leather. The tannin is quite refined and the outstandingly long aftertaste shows black pepper and plum nuances. The very ethereal 1988 Cheval Blanc is unquestionably a great wine. It is built to age that will please enthusiasts of classic Bordeaux enormously. Although not far from its peak, it still deserves to spend some more time in the cellar.

RP 88

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A very healthy dark ruby color that shows only a slight lightening at the edge, this wine shows sweet earth notes intermixed with ripe berry fruit, cassis, licorice, and leather. The wine is spicy, medium-bodied, with a moderately tannic finish that is not likely to fully age out. Anticipated maturity: Now-2014. Last tasted, 12/02. Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr, Issue date: January 2003. Drinking window: 2003 - 2014.

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SHIPPING: During warm summer weather, we recommend to only ship within the United States with Same Day or Next Day Air service to protect the wines from environmental damage. If you would like to waive this protection by shipping Ground, we will request a waiver be signed.

PACKAGING: Our premium wines need optimal temperature consistency, therefore are packaged in EPS foam shippers with gel pack (when needed) and shipped only during ideal weather temperatures.

For OWC (Original Wooden Case) orders, wine bottles will be removed from case and shipped inside a foam shipper box for safety (unless otherwise requested). The wooden case will be shipped separately at Ground service. If faster service is necessary please contact us.

WEATHER HOLD: In adverse temperature conditions, we reserve the right to withhold shipment until ideal temperatures return unless we receive explicit instructions via email to release the wines, voiding any guarantee. We will contact you if a hold is necessary.

FULFILLMENT: Shipments are via UPS.

  • Orders received Monday - Thursday before 2:00 p.m. will typically ship the same day.
  • Orders received Thursday 2:00 p.m. ~ Sunday will ship on Monday.

DELIVERY:

  • Same Day service within Los Angeles Metro area may be available if order is placed before noon, but not guaranteed. Please contact us directly at (626)714-7006 to facilitate expedited service.
  • During extreme temperatures, all shipments are recommended for Next Day Air.

Adult Signature: By law, all shipments of alcohol must be received and authorized by an adult. Our delivery carriers will not release packages without an adult signature and additional charges may be incurred if the package requires withholding or redirection.

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  • CRITICAL REVIEWS
  • WINEMAKER NOTES
RP 88

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A very healthy dark ruby color that shows only a slight lightening at the edge, this wine shows sweet earth notes intermixed with ripe berry fruit, cassis, licorice, and leather. The wine is spicy, medium-bodied, with a moderately tannic finish that is not likely to fully age out. Anticipated maturity: Now-2014. Last tasted, 12/02. Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr, Issue date: January 2003. Drinking window: 2003 - 2014.

1988 Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, France

This cool and dry year was conducive to the slow and complete ripening necessary to produce great Cheval Blanc. This outstanding wine, elegant and ethereal, possesses great freshness and balance. The range of aromas is especially complex and the wine has aged beautifully​.

Weather conditions and vine’s growing cycle

TEMPERATURES AND RAINFALL
The temperatures were close to average from April to the end of September, except for the cool month of July. The thermometer went over 33.5°C for three of the first ten days of September. However, it was rather cool at the end of the ripening period. The beginning of the growth cycle was wet, but a very dry spell set in starting in late June. There were just 90 mm. of precipitation from July to September.

WATER BALANCE
A slight degree of water stress appeared starting in late June. This water deficit, accentuated in July, August, and September due to limited rainfall, was unquestionably beneficial to the vines.

GROWING SEASON
After a cool, wet spring, the growing season was off to a somewhat late start in 1988. Flowering took place around the 10th of June and véraison occurred on about the 20th of August. Although there was a threat of mildew at the beginning of the growth cycle, this was completely thwarted by the return of fine weather after flowering. The weather was beautiful during the harvest, which lasted from the 1st to the 10th of October.

Merlot 
1988 harvest dates: October, 1st - October, 4th
Average harvest dates (1986-2014): September, 19th - September, 27th

Cabernet franc
1988 harvest dates: October, 4th - October, 10th
Average harvest dates (1986-2014): September, 27th - October, 5th

Features of the vintage

RIPENING AND YIELDS
The relatively cool, but very dry conditions during ripening were ideal for locking in rich aromas. The grapes were ripe, but not at all overripe, and displayed a great balance between sugar and acidity. Yields were fairly high: 40 hectolitres per hectare 1988 Cheval Blanc is a great Bordeaux: very classic and with great ageing potential.

1988 yield (hl/ha): 40.8
Average yield: 1946 to 2014: 33.9

BLENDING
Degree of alcohol: 12.5
Total acidity (g H2 S04/L): 3.53
Volatile acidity (g H2 SO4/L): 0.6
pH: –
Total SO2 (mg/L): 136
Reducing sugar content (g/L): 1.0
IPT (DO280): –


Tasting

15 April 2010
This is a great classic year at Cheval Blanc. The wine is complex, ethereal, balanced, and elegant. It has aged wonderfully in bottle. The deep intense colour shows bricking in keeping with its age. The initial impression on the nose is of considerable complexity and concentration, with nuances of menthol, truffle, and Virginia tobacco. Further aeration brings out forest floor aromas reminiscent of a walk in the woods after the rain, as well as leather, cinnamon, and clove notes. The wine’s paramount qualities are elegance and finesse. This is a concentrated, exceptionally well-balanced wine on the palate with a refreshing spiciness as well as sensations of mint, mocha, caramel, and Russian leather. The tannin is quite refined and the outstandingly long aftertaste shows black pepper and plum nuances. The very ethereal 1988 Cheval Blanc is unquestionably a great wine. It is built to age that will please enthusiasts of classic Bordeaux enormously. Although not far from its peak, it still deserves to spend some more time in the cellar.

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