Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2019

A blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon, the 2019 Le Petit Cheval Blanc is the 10th vintage of this wine. The first vintage of Le Petit Cheval Blanc to be launched was the 2014, but they have been making it since 2009. The wine is aged on full lees for 22 months in new oak foudres. It sashays out with flamboyant notes of apricots, green guava, and lime cordial, with hints of lemongrass, wet slate, and sea spray. Medium-bodied, the palate is refreshing and elegantly styled with a quiet intensity and long minerally finish.

Love this wine, and it has taken a leap in depth and character since the addition of Sémillion as of the 2018 vintage. Fleshy citrus comes through in the rich texture and a contrasting scrape of fresh acidities pulls everything in. Gooseberry and lime zest flavours pick up the pace with a bright Sauvignon Blanc character, all balanced out by the steadying hand of Sémillon. A clean finish, this is an excellent vintage of this wine.

A wine that I don't get to taste often, the 2019 Château Cheval Blanc Le Petit Cheval Blanc is a stunning white that's certainly worth seeking out, and it actually reminds me of the great white from Château Margaux. Vibrant citrus, white flowers, lime, and chalky mineral notes all emerge on the nose, and it's medium-bodied, has terrific purity, bright acidity, and the balance to evolve for over a decade.

From: Bordeaux 2019: The Southwold Tasting (Feb 2023)The 2019 Le Petit Cheval Blanc feels more Sauvignon-driven on the nose, Granny Smith apples and gooseberry. A touch of wild nettle emerges with time. The palate is well-balanced with fine weight, not quite as complex as the best dry white in the flight, just a bit too toasty towards the finish. But there is sufficient length and freshness, but perhaps not one that will cellar as long as others. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.- By Neal Martin on January 2023Drink 2024-2034