Cheval Blanc 1995

Tasted at Cheval Blanc dinner at The Ledbury. This is an outrageously decadent Cheval Blanc. The nose is layer upon layer of ebullient, red-berried fruit: raspberries, crushed strawberries, lavish creamy new oak and a touch of vanilla pod. I would describe it as ""slutty"" in the hands of a lesser estate. The palate is full-bodied with plush red-berried fruit, at the moment firmly under the governance of the Merlot with a sexy, lascivious finish. The word that comes to mind is: orgiastic. I wonder if it will obtain the breeding of the '85? Tasted November 2010.

A pretty, attractive Cheval Blanc, the 1995 contains a higher percentage of Merlot in the final blend than usual (50% Merlot/50% Cabernet Franc). This wine has not developed as much fat or weight as its younger sibling, the 1996, but it appears to be an outstanding Cheval Blanc with an enthralling smoky, black currant, coffee, and exotic bouquet. Complex,rich, medium to full-bodied flavors are well-endowed and pure, with surprisingly firm tannin in the finish. Unlike the sweeter, riper 1996, the 1995 may be more structured and potencially longer-lived.