
Peter Maude Fine Wines
2021, Le Petit Cheval Blanc, BORDEAUX BLANC
Bordeaux Blend: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon.
The 2021 Le Petit Cheval (Blanc) is fabulous. Silky and intensely aromatic, with tons of Sauvignon Blanc character, the 2021 is all raciness. Pear, slate, mint, crushed rocks, lime and white pepper abound, all framed by brisk acids and gorgeous saline undertones. The 2021 is 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. It aged for 22 months, mostly in foudres and wood uprights. What a wine! 94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (2023).
The 2021 Le Petit Cheval (Blanc) is 80% aged in foudres and 20% in demi-muids, 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Sémillon. It has a well-defined bouquet, fresh and vibrant, displaying Anjou pear and touches of Granny Smith, petrichor scents surfacing with aeration. The palate is well-balanced with a lovely texture, the Sémillon playing a greater influence than the proportion of the blend would suggest and imparting a slightly waxy texture. Fleeting touches of chamomile and quince emerge toward the finish. Excellent. 92 Neal Martin, Vinous (2023).
A rich and exotic blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, the 2021 Le Petit Cheval Blanc bursts with aromas of green mango, passion fruit, lime and white flowers, followed by a medium-bodied, ample and fleshy palate that's satiny, textural and perfumed. 90 William Kelley, Wine Advocate (2024).
Very Sauvignon nose, green peas, straw, lemon zest and elderflower - smells very expressive with cool citrus elements. Crisp and alive, so delicious, crunchy with mouthwatering acidity but then a weight - almost oiliness / fat from the wood and lees adds to to the texture that immediately counters the acidity and gives the mouth filling expression. Bitter grapefruit and lemon zest on the finish. Great energy and complexity. A touch green in some places, you know this isn’t from a warm vintage, a touch of metallic element on the finish, but extremely enjoyable. 93 Georgina Hindle, Decanter (2023).
Drinking Window: 2023 - 2033