2019, Petit Cheval, SAINT-ÉMILION, Grand Cru

The 2019 Petit Cheval has a very attractive cedar and tobacco infused bouquet that seems precise and supremely well focused. The oak is neatly assimilated. The palate is medium-bodied with a bolder presence than intimated by the aromatics, sweet and layered black fruit, quite plush, satin texture with a persistent and seductive, modern style finish. Lovely. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. 92 Neal Martin, Vinous (2023).

The 2019 Petit Cheval is a stunning second wine - if it can even be called that. In 2019, Petit Cheval is a blend of four parcels that were in the Grand Vin in 2018. Dark, supple and expressive, the 2019 offers up an exotic mélange of black cherry, spice, new leather and graphite, all of which build effortlessly in the glass. The Petit represents 5.5% of the château's production in 2019, but it is more of a second selection, as 12% of the wine that year was sold in bulk. 94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (2022).

This is a gorgeous rippling wine with a clear muscular frame. It's a year where there are more tannins than in 2018, and this has a wonderful two-step, fruit tannin fruit tannin rhythm that propels the wine forward through the palate. Iris flowers and berry fruit, with smoked-tinged cedar oak. Harvest September 10 to October 4. 93 Jane Anson, Decanter (2020).

Gorgeous perfume on the nose, delicate but expressive blackcurrants and black cherries, has a real dark side to it but lifted by the perfume. Great acidity from the start, bright and vibrant with a cool and fresh mid palate. This feels quite charming and confident without being too confident. Round and smooth with mouthwatering acidity and lovely bright fruits but at the same time the texture is so soft and comforting. It feels like a cooler baby brother to the grand vin, one who has an effortless style. Brilliant. There are no specific plots of Petit Cheval so all the plots in this 2019 were in the grand vin in 2018, so there is 'zero consistency in terms of quantity, commercialisation and proportion' for Petit Cheval says technical director Pierre Olivier Clouet. At only 5.5% production, this is the rarest of the Cheval wines. A blend of 56% Merlot and 44% Cabernet Franc. 94 Georgina Hindle, Decanter (2022).

Drinking Window: 2025-2045