Winery Overview & History
Located in the prestigious appellation of Saint-Émilion, Château Cheval Blanc stands as one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated estates, holding the rare distinction of Premier Grand Cru Classé A status. Its name, meaning “White Horse,” is shrouded in legend—some say it was inspired by a royal guesthouse favored by a white-horse-riding king, while others believe it refers to land once used for the horses of nearby Château Figeac. Whatever its origin, Cheval Blanc has come to symbolize grace, individuality, and timeless mastery.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
The estate spans 41 hectares (91.4 acres) on the border of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, an area renowned for its exceptional soils. The vineyard’s diversity is remarkable, with a mosaic of gravel, sand, and clay resting on a firm base of limestone and iron-rich subsoil (crasse de fer). This unique composition enables each grape variety to express itself with purity and depth.
The vines average over 40 years of age, planted at a density of about 6,000 vines per hectare, producing fruit of rare concentration and complexity.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
Cheval Blanc’s plantings are dominated by Cabernet Franc (57%) and Merlot (43%), with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec occasionally used in the blend. This unusual dominance of Cabernet Franc gives the wines an aromatic profile that combines structure and sensuality—a hallmark that sets Cheval Blanc apart from its Right Bank peers.
Cheval Blanc wines are known for their layered aromas of violet, cassis, plum, and exotic spices, offering both immediate charm and long-term aging potential. Young vintages are rich and seductive, while mature bottles reveal great depth, silkiness, and poise.
Signature Wines
- Château Cheval Blanc (Grand Vin) – The flagship wine, produced from the estate’s finest plots, with an average annual output of around 6,000 cases. The wine ferments in stainless steel for four weeks and ages for 18–24 months in 100% new French oak.
- Le Petit Cheval (Second Wine) – A refined, approachable expression of the estate’s style, with an annual production of approximately 2,500 cases.
Notable vintages include 1947, 1982, 1990, 1998, 2005, 2009, 2010, and 2018, with the 1947 vintage famously praised as one of the “most beautiful creations of the century.”
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
At Cheval Blanc, precision and tradition go hand in hand. Grapes are hand-harvested, sorted with meticulous care, and vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Each plot is fermented separately to preserve its individual character before blending. The wines are aged in 100% new oak barrels, crafted to complement rather than dominate the natural expression of fruit and terroir. The result is a wine of harmony, elegance, and remarkable longevity.
Visitor & Contact Information
Address: 33330 Saint-Émilion, France
Phone: +33 5 57 55 55 55
Fax: +33 5 57 55 55 50
Website: www.chateau-cheval-blanc.com
Email: contact@chateau-chevalblanc.com
Visiting: By appointment only; visits and tastings available upon request.
* Photo Courtesy of Chateau Cheval Blanc