2016 Le Petit Cheval 2016 Le Petit Cheval 2016 Le Petit Cheval 2016 Le Petit Cheval 2016 Le Petit Cheval 2016 Le Petit Cheval
2016 Le Petit Cheval
2016 Le Petit Cheval
2016 Le Petit Cheval
2016 Le Petit Cheval
2016 Le Petit Cheval
2016 Le Petit Cheval

2016 Le Petit Cheval

Le Petit Cheval

Bordeaux Blend Red

France / Bordeaux / Libournais / Saint-Emilion

$1,330
RP 94
Size:
Quantity:

2016 Chateau Cheval 'Le Petit Cheval' Red, Bordeaux, France

2016 was dry with a beautiful late autumn. Le Petit Cheval is then perfectly in the line with its eldest. It reveals a fresh, fruity and floral aromatic followed by a soft, voluminous and deep mouth. A beautiful initiation to the Cheval Blanc’s universe.

Weather conditions and vine’s growing cycle

TEMPERATURES AND RAINFALL
The first few months of the year were mild and very wet (420mm of rain between January and March). Normal temperatures prevailed between April and June with a lot of rain (273 mm). By the end of June, dry and sunny conditions set in, interrupted only by a few rainy spells in September (13-14 and 30 September). Extremely dry conditions prevailed between 1 July and 15 October. The most hours of sunshine for 15 years were recorded over July, August and September. In July, temperatures were about average. August and September were hot with relatively cool nights. The harvest took place between 20 September and 12 October in mostly dry conditions.


WATER BALANCE
In 2016, there was a big difference in the water regime between the beginning and the end of the season. The first six months of the year were extremely wet (695 mm, which is a great deal more than during the entirety of 2015). At the end of June, therefore, the soils had nearly reached their limit in terms of water-holding capacity. However, the weather was exceptionally dry from the beginning of July up to the end of the harvest. The vines reacted differently to this unusual water regime depending upon the soil types. On clay and sandy soils (where the roots could reach the water underground) there were sufficient water reserves. On these soils, the limited water regime had a positive impact on the quality of the grapes. The dry conditions had a negative impact on young vines on gravelly soils, as they caused leaf loss and impeded the process of maturation. Old vines on gravel soils with deeper roots, however, fared well despite the lack of water and this had a positive impact on the quality.


GROWING SEASON
In 2016, the bud burst was early but, following relatively cool and extremely wet conditions in April and May, the vines flowered only a week or so later than usual. There were no particular problems during fruit set despite variable weather conditions during flowering. The vines ripened late and in batches. The dry conditions altered the maturation process depending upon the soil types: The process was accelerated on clay and sandy soils whereas maturation was delayed in young vines planted on gravelly soils. So, these plots which are usually amongst the first to be harvested were the last to be picked. The harvest took place over 23 days between 20 September and 12 October with lovely weather interrupted only by a couple of rainy spells. One plot of Cabernet-Sauvignon, planted in 2014, yielded its first harvest in a perfectly mature state.

Features of the vintage

RIPENING AND YIELDS
The conditions were good for the development of the vine and the fruit set. Despite the dry conditions in the second part of the season, the berries were of about average weight and the yields were well above normal for both grape varieties. The hydric stress came late in the season and so didn’t impact upon the weight of the berries. Another reason for this is that there was plenty of nitrogen in the soil.

Rendement (hl/ha)
Merlot 50,3 33,7
Cabernet Franc 37,9 29,9

CELLAR WORK
In 2016, the level of sugar in the grapes upon vatting was about average for the previous ten-year period. The total acidity was lower due to slightly high levels of malic acid in the grapes. This is fairly typical in years of water stress and means that the grapes were properly matured when harvested. What was exceptional in 2016 was the fact that the low levels of malic acid were not offset by high levels of pH.

Tasting

1 March 2016
A very pure and clean nose with vibrant red fruits and flowers. Violet and raspberry dominate. The nose is both charming without being frivolous and complex. Scarcely perceptible oaky notes are beautifully integrated. An unctuous, dense and crisp attack. The wine is linear and long on the palate thanks to its acidity. Whilst the tannins are dense and extremely present, they are beautifully round and ripe, endowing the palate with a lovely creaminess. The finish is long, fresh and fruity with a perfect balance between the tannins and the acidity.

RP 94

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2016 Le Petit Cheval is composed of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc. Medium garnet-purple colored, it has a knock-out nose featuring beautiful red rose, black tea, unsmoked cigars, menthol and yeast extract scents with a core of black cherries, kirsch and warm plums plus a waft of dusty soil. Medium-bodied, tightly wound and wonderfully perfumed in the mouth, the palate features loads of vibrant, pristine pure fruit and a beautifully soft texture, finishing very long. Reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Issue date: November 2018. Drinking window: 2021 - 2045.

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FREE SHIPPING INSURANCE: We provide FREE carrier insurance for lost or damaged shipments (per carrier terms and conditions.)

FREE WINE STORAGE: We provide FREE 6 Months wine cellar storage from date of purchase. Please choose this option at checkout and we will coordinate shipping for a later date.

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: Alabama (AL), Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Hawaii (HI), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), Oklahoma (OK), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Washington (WA), West Virginia (WV), Wisconsin (WI), and Wyoming (WY).

  • CRITICAL REVIEWS
  • WINEMAKER NOTES
RP 94

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2016 Le Petit Cheval is composed of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc. Medium garnet-purple colored, it has a knock-out nose featuring beautiful red rose, black tea, unsmoked cigars, menthol and yeast extract scents with a core of black cherries, kirsch and warm plums plus a waft of dusty soil. Medium-bodied, tightly wound and wonderfully perfumed in the mouth, the palate features loads of vibrant, pristine pure fruit and a beautifully soft texture, finishing very long. Reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Issue date: November 2018. Drinking window: 2021 - 2045.

2016 Chateau Cheval 'Le Petit Cheval' Red, Bordeaux, France

2016 was dry with a beautiful late autumn. Le Petit Cheval is then perfectly in the line with its eldest. It reveals a fresh, fruity and floral aromatic followed by a soft, voluminous and deep mouth. A beautiful initiation to the Cheval Blanc’s universe.

Weather conditions and vine’s growing cycle

TEMPERATURES AND RAINFALL
The first few months of the year were mild and very wet (420mm of rain between January and March). Normal temperatures prevailed between April and June with a lot of rain (273 mm). By the end of June, dry and sunny conditions set in, interrupted only by a few rainy spells in September (13-14 and 30 September). Extremely dry conditions prevailed between 1 July and 15 October. The most hours of sunshine for 15 years were recorded over July, August and September. In July, temperatures were about average. August and September were hot with relatively cool nights. The harvest took place between 20 September and 12 October in mostly dry conditions.


WATER BALANCE
In 2016, there was a big difference in the water regime between the beginning and the end of the season. The first six months of the year were extremely wet (695 mm, which is a great deal more than during the entirety of 2015). At the end of June, therefore, the soils had nearly reached their limit in terms of water-holding capacity. However, the weather was exceptionally dry from the beginning of July up to the end of the harvest. The vines reacted differently to this unusual water regime depending upon the soil types. On clay and sandy soils (where the roots could reach the water underground) there were sufficient water reserves. On these soils, the limited water regime had a positive impact on the quality of the grapes. The dry conditions had a negative impact on young vines on gravelly soils, as they caused leaf loss and impeded the process of maturation. Old vines on gravel soils with deeper roots, however, fared well despite the lack of water and this had a positive impact on the quality.


GROWING SEASON
In 2016, the bud burst was early but, following relatively cool and extremely wet conditions in April and May, the vines flowered only a week or so later than usual. There were no particular problems during fruit set despite variable weather conditions during flowering. The vines ripened late and in batches. The dry conditions altered the maturation process depending upon the soil types: The process was accelerated on clay and sandy soils whereas maturation was delayed in young vines planted on gravelly soils. So, these plots which are usually amongst the first to be harvested were the last to be picked. The harvest took place over 23 days between 20 September and 12 October with lovely weather interrupted only by a couple of rainy spells. One plot of Cabernet-Sauvignon, planted in 2014, yielded its first harvest in a perfectly mature state.

Features of the vintage

RIPENING AND YIELDS
The conditions were good for the development of the vine and the fruit set. Despite the dry conditions in the second part of the season, the berries were of about average weight and the yields were well above normal for both grape varieties. The hydric stress came late in the season and so didn’t impact upon the weight of the berries. Another reason for this is that there was plenty of nitrogen in the soil.

Rendement (hl/ha)
Merlot 50,3 33,7
Cabernet Franc 37,9 29,9

CELLAR WORK
In 2016, the level of sugar in the grapes upon vatting was about average for the previous ten-year period. The total acidity was lower due to slightly high levels of malic acid in the grapes. This is fairly typical in years of water stress and means that the grapes were properly matured when harvested. What was exceptional in 2016 was the fact that the low levels of malic acid were not offset by high levels of pH.

Tasting

1 March 2016
A very pure and clean nose with vibrant red fruits and flowers. Violet and raspberry dominate. The nose is both charming without being frivolous and complex. Scarcely perceptible oaky notes are beautifully integrated. An unctuous, dense and crisp attack. The wine is linear and long on the palate thanks to its acidity. Whilst the tannins are dense and extremely present, they are beautifully round and ripe, endowing the palate with a lovely creaminess. The finish is long, fresh and fruity with a perfect balance between the tannins and the acidity.

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