2000 Chateau Cheval Blanc Saint Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe 750 ml

Twelve Perfect Bottles

Only three months ago in November 2017, Antonio Galloni awarded this 2000 Cheval Blanc a perfect 100-point score. “A wine of exquisite aromatic depth and grace, the 2000 Cheval Blanc is fully captivating,” Galloni wrote. “All the elements fall into place in an effortless, gracious wine. It’s frankly hard to move past the 2000 Cheval, because at this point, I want nothing to compete with it.” Robert Parker scored it close to perfection with 99 points, saying “This is by far the best Cheval Blanc since 1990 and before 2009. It is a legend in the making.” Following my visit to Cheval Blanc in June, I couldn’t agree more. This wine perfectly delivers on the promise of Saint-Émilion’s greatest estates from one of Bordeaux’ greatest ever vintages. I had hoped to get more, but by the end of the day all I could eke out of them was a single 12-bottle original wooden case. So here it is, finally arrived direct from the château cellars in perfect condition with perfect provenance.

My visit to Premier Grand Cru Classé (A) Cheval Blanc, right on the Pomerol border next door to Petrus, was mind boggling. Of course walking the hallowed terroir is inspiring, but Pierre Lurton’s unrelenting commitment to perfection is awe-inspiring. The cuverie is lined with graceful cement vats custom-built in Italy, one vat per vineyard block. I have a photo that I took of a 38.8hl tank patiently waiting for its block of ‘Parcelle 2’ Cabernet Franc, planted in 1967.

What struck me about the barrel cellar is how small yet perfectly formed it is compared to the First Growths of Pauillac and Margaux. Cheval Blanc produces a mere 6,000 cases of grand vin compared to up to 25,000 cases of Château Lafite. Incredible, when you think of Cheval’s reputation and parent company LVMH’s distribution network, how little there is to go around.

A couple of things make Cheval Blanc unique in the world of fine wine. First, there are three main soil profiles, one fine textured with clay and similar to Petrus, the other two more typical to Saint-Émilion, large gravel and fine gravel and sand. This unique combination allows blending options that contribute incredible complexity. Furthermore, this 2000 Cheval Blanc is 53% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Franc, which, with the various vine ages and clones, provides a wonderful balance of depth and elegance.

This is a highly recommended 17-year-old release from a great vintage and château. I only wish there were more bottles.

Matt Deller MW
Master of Wine
Chief Wine Officer, Wine Access