Winemaker and Vineyard: Here indeed coexist three great types of soil forming a true mosaic, sometimes with a fine and clayey texture, sometimes with a coarser and gravelly texture. A singular terroir, made up essentially of clays and coarse gravels on certain plots, finer and sandy on others. Some properties in Saint-Emilion have excellent gravelly soils; others, in Saint-Emilion or Pomerol, benefit from very good clay soils. It is pure happenstance of history that at Cheval Blanc, these two types of soil cohabit in roughly equal proportions. To this natural richness is added an original planting of vines, made up of 52% Cabernet franc, 43% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet sauvignon. Thus, each plot has its own characteristics by which it is identified, characteristics linked to its age, its size, the nature of its soil, its rootstock, and its grape variety.

Tasting: The 2020 Cheval Blanc wafts from the glass with aromas of mulberries, plums and cherries mingled with hints of rose petals, licorice, sweet spices and lilac. Full-bodied, broad and voluptuous, it's layered and fleshy, with a ripe core of fruit, sweet tannins and a long, expansive finish. While purists will gravitate toward the purer and more precise and perfumed 2019, the 2020 will appeal to readers who love the richest, most powerful expressions of Cheval Blanc. Published: robertparker.com (04.06.2023)

Service: Serve at room temperature (16-18°C) to accompany lacquered duck breasts.