CHEVAL BLANC 2016

The grand vin 2016 Château Cheval Blanc checks in as 60% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in new barrels, and this is the first year a replanted block of Cabernet Sauvignon has made the top cuvée. Compared to the 2001 by Pierre Lurton, it displays stunning aromatic fireworks with notions of blackcurrants, forest floor, iron bar, graphite, and spice all soaring from the glass. It develops more floral nuances with time in the glass and, as always with this cuvée, it’s all about complexity and elegance. More medium to full-bodied, with beautiful tannins and perfect balance, it’s a decidedly classic, focused, elegant wine from this estate that will keep for 3-4 decades.

This has turned into a very dense wine, with waves of cassis, plum reduction and blackberry paste forming the core. Wrapped tightly in layers of tobacco and loam for now, while singed alder, incense, black tea and bergamot notes peek in here and there. The finish rumbles like thunder for now, with the swath of tannins, and there's just a twinge of drought-induced austerity. But there's acidity and drive too, and this will cruise in the cellar for some time. Best from 2025 through 2045. JM

The 2016 Cheval Blanc has a beguiling bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, cedar, a touch of iron rust and black truffle scents that gain vigour with aeration. Stunning delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine tannins, very pliant and exerting a gentle grip. Sleek and focused, it gains depth towards the finish, with a dash of black pepper that just won’t disappear on the aftertaste. Heavenly. Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s 10 Year On tasting in London. Vinous, Feb 2026

The nose is subdued, showing tar, dark olives and tobacco. Medium- to full- bodied with intensity, energy and linear, polished tannins. The palate is nuanced and delicate, with flavors of dark fruit and dark chocolate. It has length and remarkable elegance. The tannins have integrated. Drink or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.

The 2016 Château Cheval Blanc is blended of 59.5% Merlot, 37.2% Cabernet Franc and 3.3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is incredibly youthful yet not so shy as some other 2016s at this stage, giving wonderfully intense scents of red currants, black cherries, wild blueberries and violets with nuances of star anise, cinnamon stick, rose hip tea, cigar box and wood smoke plus a touch of beef drippings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has jaw-dropping elegance and depth, offering up layer upon layer of fragrant red and black fruits plus an extraordinary array of mineral sparks, supported by a rock-solid grainy texture, finishing with epic persistence and an edifying perfume. This is a very different style from the rich, opulently hedonic 2015, yet this wonderfully fragrant, beautifully poised and intellectually compelling 2016 is equally extraordinary.