2016 Chateau Cheval Blanc 2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc 2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc 2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc 2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc 2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc
2016 Chateau Cheval Blanc
2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc
2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc
2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc
2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc
2006 Chateau Cheval Blanc

2016 Chateau Cheval Blanc

Red Bordeaux Blend

France / Bordeaux / Libournais / Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

$5,620
RP 100
Size:
Quantità:

2016 Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, France

A very great vintage, dry and fresh, which expresses all the typicity of a great Cheval Blanc, at the same time complex, balanced, dense and fresh. A wine with immense aging potential.

Weather conditions

TEMPERATURES AND PRECIPITATION
The first months of the year were mild and very wet (420 mm over the period January – March). Temperatures were close to normal for the months of April to June with still very significant rainfall (273 mm). Very dry and sunny weather set in from the last days of June and this weather lasted until the end of the harvest, only punctuated by two rainy episodes in September (September 13-14 and September 30). The period July 1 – October 15 was exceptionally dry. The months of July, August and September recorded the highest number of hours of sunshine in 15 years. Temperatures were close to normal in July. August and September were warm, but with relatively cool nights. The harvest, which took place from September 20 to October 12, received very little water.

WATER DIET
The water regime was very contrasting in 2016 between the start and end of the season. The first six months of the year were very wet (695 mm, significantly more than the whole of 2015). Therefore, at the end of June the soils were still close to holding capacity. On the other hand, from July 1 until the end of the harvest, the weather was exceptionally dry. Faced with this particular water regime, the behavior of the vines was very different depending on the soil type. Water reserves were sufficient on clay soils and sandy soils (where the vines have access to the water table). On these soils, the vine's water regime was moderately limiting and particularly favorable to quality. On the gravelly soils, the young vines suffered from drought, with local defoliation and blocking of maturity. The old vines on gravel, with deeper roots, on the other hand, withstood the high water stress well, and their water regime was very favorable to quality.

VINE CYCLE
Bud break was early in 2016, but after a relatively cool and very wet April and May, flowering arrived a little week late. Despite the mixed weather during flowering, fruit set took place without any particular problems. The delay continued during veraison, which was particularly concentrated. The drought reversed the dynamics of ripening on the different soils: it was rapid on clay soils and sandy soils, while blockages were observed on young vines planted on gravelly soils. As a result, these plots, which are usually among the first to be harvested, were picked last. The harvest took place from September 20 to October 12, over 23 days, in very good weather, punctuated by only two rainy episodes. A plot of Cabernet-Sauvignon, planted in 2014, produced its first harvest at a perfect state of maturity.

Phenological stages in 2016 Merlot average 1996-2015 Cabernet Franc average 1996-2015
Budburst March 25 March 30 March 28 April 4
Bloom June 5 May 30 June 7 June 1st
Veraison August 8 August 2nd August 3 August 6
Harvest September 20 – October 1 September 18 September 28-October 12 September 28
Duration in days between…
Budburst and flowering 72 days 61 days 71 days 58 days
Flowering and veraison 64 days 64 days 67 days 67 days
Veraison and harvest 43 days 48 days 46 days 51 days
The start of the season was marked by strong mildew pressure. Thanks to the good weather which set in from the end of June, this pressure had no negative impact. The health condition at harvest was exceptional.

Particularity of the vintage

GRAPE MATURITY AND YIELD
The output of the vines was strong and fruit set took place in good conditions. Despite the drought in the second part of the season, the weight of the berries was close to average. the yield was quite clearly higher than normal values ​​for both grape varieties. The water stress arrived relatively late and had no impact on the weight of the berries. Another explanation is that there was no limitation of the nitrogen supply.



Yield (hl/ha)
Merlot 50.3 33.7
Cabernet Franc 37.9 29.9
WINEMAKING AND AGING
In 2016, the sugar content of the grapes in vatage was average for the last ten years. The total acidity was lower, due to the low malic acid content of the grapes. This is almost always the case in years with water constraints and reflects very good maturity of the grapes at the time of harvest. Unusually in 2016, the low malic acid content did not translate into high pH.

The tasting

March 1, 2017
The first nose, initially discreet, quickly shows its aromatic complexity. The fruits dominate, mixing red fruits and black fruits such as cherry, raspberry, blackberry, blackcurrant. The floral register is not lacking, this wine expresses violet, rose, peony, lilac. Aeration gradually reveals peppery, spicy, almost caramelized notes. The nose shines with its brightness and sharpness. The attack, creamy and voluminous, continues towards a mid-palate with powerful but coated tannins, rich and elegant, voluminous and refined. It is the balance between tannins and acidity which gives this wine all its character and gives it an endless length, fresh and fruity. The aromatic persistence of this Cheval Blanc is impressive.

RP 100

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2016 Cheval Blanc is blended of 59.5% Merlot, 37.2% Cabernet Franc and 3.3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is incredibly youthful yet not so shy as some other 2016s at this stage, giving wonderfully intense scents of red currants, black cherries, wild blueberries and violets with nuances of star anise, cinnamon stick, rose hip tea, cigar box and wood smoke plus a touch of beef drippings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has jaw-dropping elegance and depth, offering up layer upon layer of fragrant red and black fruits plus an extraordinary array of mineral sparks, supported by a rock-solid grainy texture, finishing with epic persistence and an edifying perfume. This is a very different style from the rich, opulently hedonic 2015, yet this wonderfully fragrant, beautifully poised and intellectually compelling 2016 is equally extraordinary. Reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Issue date: November 2018. Drinking window: 2023 - 2070.

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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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We ship within the United States to: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

  • CRITICAL REVIEWS
  • WINEMAKER NOTES
RP 100

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2016 Cheval Blanc is blended of 59.5% Merlot, 37.2% Cabernet Franc and 3.3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is incredibly youthful yet not so shy as some other 2016s at this stage, giving wonderfully intense scents of red currants, black cherries, wild blueberries and violets with nuances of star anise, cinnamon stick, rose hip tea, cigar box and wood smoke plus a touch of beef drippings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has jaw-dropping elegance and depth, offering up layer upon layer of fragrant red and black fruits plus an extraordinary array of mineral sparks, supported by a rock-solid grainy texture, finishing with epic persistence and an edifying perfume. This is a very different style from the rich, opulently hedonic 2015, yet this wonderfully fragrant, beautifully poised and intellectually compelling 2016 is equally extraordinary. Reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Issue date: November 2018. Drinking window: 2023 - 2070.

2016 Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, France

A very great vintage, dry and fresh, which expresses all the typicity of a great Cheval Blanc, at the same time complex, balanced, dense and fresh. A wine with immense aging potential.

Weather conditions

TEMPERATURES AND PRECIPITATION
The first months of the year were mild and very wet (420 mm over the period January – March). Temperatures were close to normal for the months of April to June with still very significant rainfall (273 mm). Very dry and sunny weather set in from the last days of June and this weather lasted until the end of the harvest, only punctuated by two rainy episodes in September (September 13-14 and September 30). The period July 1 – October 15 was exceptionally dry. The months of July, August and September recorded the highest number of hours of sunshine in 15 years. Temperatures were close to normal in July. August and September were warm, but with relatively cool nights. The harvest, which took place from September 20 to October 12, received very little water.

WATER DIET
The water regime was very contrasting in 2016 between the start and end of the season. The first six months of the year were very wet (695 mm, significantly more than the whole of 2015). Therefore, at the end of June the soils were still close to holding capacity. On the other hand, from July 1 until the end of the harvest, the weather was exceptionally dry. Faced with this particular water regime, the behavior of the vines was very different depending on the soil type. Water reserves were sufficient on clay soils and sandy soils (where the vines have access to the water table). On these soils, the vine's water regime was moderately limiting and particularly favorable to quality. On the gravelly soils, the young vines suffered from drought, with local defoliation and blocking of maturity. The old vines on gravel, with deeper roots, on the other hand, withstood the high water stress well, and their water regime was very favorable to quality.

VINE CYCLE
Bud break was early in 2016, but after a relatively cool and very wet April and May, flowering arrived a little week late. Despite the mixed weather during flowering, fruit set took place without any particular problems. The delay continued during veraison, which was particularly concentrated. The drought reversed the dynamics of ripening on the different soils: it was rapid on clay soils and sandy soils, while blockages were observed on young vines planted on gravelly soils. As a result, these plots, which are usually among the first to be harvested, were picked last. The harvest took place from September 20 to October 12, over 23 days, in very good weather, punctuated by only two rainy episodes. A plot of Cabernet-Sauvignon, planted in 2014, produced its first harvest at a perfect state of maturity.

Phenological stages in 2016 Merlot average 1996-2015 Cabernet Franc average 1996-2015
Budburst March 25 March 30 March 28 April 4
Bloom June 5 May 30 June 7 June 1st
Veraison August 8 August 2nd August 3 August 6
Harvest September 20 – October 1 September 18 September 28-October 12 September 28
Duration in days between…
Budburst and flowering 72 days 61 days 71 days 58 days
Flowering and veraison 64 days 64 days 67 days 67 days
Veraison and harvest 43 days 48 days 46 days 51 days
The start of the season was marked by strong mildew pressure. Thanks to the good weather which set in from the end of June, this pressure had no negative impact. The health condition at harvest was exceptional.

Particularity of the vintage

GRAPE MATURITY AND YIELD
The output of the vines was strong and fruit set took place in good conditions. Despite the drought in the second part of the season, the weight of the berries was close to average. the yield was quite clearly higher than normal values ​​for both grape varieties. The water stress arrived relatively late and had no impact on the weight of the berries. Another explanation is that there was no limitation of the nitrogen supply.



Yield (hl/ha)
Merlot 50.3 33.7
Cabernet Franc 37.9 29.9
WINEMAKING AND AGING
In 2016, the sugar content of the grapes in vatage was average for the last ten years. The total acidity was lower, due to the low malic acid content of the grapes. This is almost always the case in years with water constraints and reflects very good maturity of the grapes at the time of harvest. Unusually in 2016, the low malic acid content did not translate into high pH.

The tasting

March 1, 2017
The first nose, initially discreet, quickly shows its aromatic complexity. The fruits dominate, mixing red fruits and black fruits such as cherry, raspberry, blackberry, blackcurrant. The floral register is not lacking, this wine expresses violet, rose, peony, lilac. Aeration gradually reveals peppery, spicy, almost caramelized notes. The nose shines with its brightness and sharpness. The attack, creamy and voluminous, continues towards a mid-palate with powerful but coated tannins, rich and elegant, voluminous and refined. It is the balance between tannins and acidity which gives this wine all its character and gives it an endless length, fresh and fruity. The aromatic persistence of this Cheval Blanc is impressive.

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