Saint-Émilion Grand Cru "Le Petit Cheval" 2000 Château Cheval Blanc
The Saint-Émilion Grand Cru "Le Petit Cheval" 2000 is the second wine of Château Cheval Blanc, created to highlight the unique terroir and varietals shared with its grand vin. First produced in 1988, it is part of the prestigious “Club of Nine,” a group of the finest second wines in the world.
Grapes are hand-selected from approximately one-quarter of the total harvest, without allocation to specific plots. This allows the best parcels from each vintage to be included in the blend. After gentle pressing, the must ferments in custom-made concrete vats of various sizes for optimal process control. Gentle pump-overs are conducted, and after maceration, the juice is transferred while the marc is pressed. Only the finest lots are included in the final blend.
Malolactic fermentation takes place in vats and can last from three weeks to several months. The wine is then aged for 16-18 months in new French oak barrels, enhancing its depth and complexity.
The wine showcases a deep, nearly opaque color. The nose bursts with aromas of red and black fruits, complemented by hints of menthol, tonka bean, peony, and violet. On the palate, "Le Petit Cheval" 2000 delivers impressive power without being overpowering, with a velvety texture and extraordinary aromatic persistence.
Perfect with red meats, game, roasts, and aged cheeses. Also ideal on its own as a meditation wine.