December 17, 2024
Cheval Blanc 2020 - Double 100-Pointed Vintage
“As usual with Cheval Blanc, it's primarily about finesse and elegance, as well as complexity, and exhibits a deep purple hue as well as a kaleidoscopic bouquet of sweet red and black fruits, spring flowers, spicy incense, loamy earth, and smoke tobacco” - 100 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
Château Cheval Blanc, one of the most celebrated and revered wine estates in the world, stands as a symbol of unparalleled quality in Bordeaux’s Right Bank. As a Premier Grand Cru Classé A, the highest classification in Saint-Émilion, Cheval Blanc has consistently produced wines of remarkable finesse, complexity, and longevity. The estate’s unique terroir, combined with a commitment to excellence, has made Cheval Blanc a benchmark for Merlot and Cabernet Franc-based wines.
The 2020 vintage of Château Cheval Blanc is a stunning example of the estate’s mastery and the strength of this exceptional year in Bordeaux. Marking the final instalment of a remarkable trilogy alongside 2018 and 2019, the 2020 vintage was shaped by a warm, dry growing season balanced by well-timed rains. Despite the challenges of drought conditions, the estate’s meticulous vineyard management and the unique terroir ensured perfect ripeness and harmony.
The 2020 Cheval Blanc showcases a seamless blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, delivering an extraordinary balance of power and elegance. Aromas of ripe blackberries, violets, and fresh herbs unfold on the nose, while the palate reveals layers of dark fruit, graphite, and subtle spice. Silky tannins and vibrant acidity provide structure, leading to a finish of exceptional length and finesse. This vintage is poised to age beautifully, further cementing Cheval Blanc’s legacy as one of Bordeaux’s true icons.
Since En Primeur, the 2020 Cheval Blanc has received score upgrades, increasing its desirability. We believe this is the perfect moment to secure this sought-after vintage while we can still offer it at a competitive price—before rising market demand inevitably drives prices higher.mand.
Both Jane Anson and Jeb Dunnuck have awarded the wine a perfect 100-Point rating whilst Galloni, Neal Martin, Suckling and Lisa Perrotti-Brown follow shortly behind with 99’s and 98’s. We’ve put a large number of reviews below for your viewing below but perhaps Neal Martin summarises it best for us; “There's not an edge to be found on the persistent and graceful finish. Captivating. Mesmerizing. How many more adjectives do you need?”
We have a small number of single bottles available and a couple of cases of 6x75cl at a very competitive price. These will make a great addition to any Bordeaux lovers collection, grab them whilst you can this week.
Cheval Blanc 2020
100 Points | Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux
Intense, indelible, with layer upon layer of blueberry, raspberry, pomegranate, fennel, liqourice, pencil, espresso, crushed rocks, just so much character and poise. The driest year at Cheval Blanc since 1959, with 71% of production from the 39ha estate in this wine, technical director Pierre Olivier Clouet. This continues to be bottled as Premier Grand Cru Classé A until the 2022 vintage, following its withdrawal from the ranking, which will make an interesting footnote for collectors I would imagine, but makes zero difference to the brilliance of what is in the bottle.
100 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
The Grand Vin 2020 Château Cheval Blanc checks in as a blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon that was raised, as always, in 100% new French oak. As usual with Cheval Blanc, it's primarily about finesse and elegance, as well as complexity, and exhibits a deep purple hue as well as a kaleidoscopic bouquet of sweet red and black fruits, spring flowers, spicy incense, loamy earth, and smoke tobacco. Absolutely flawless on the palate, it's full-bodied, has perfectly integrated oak, ripe, silky tannins, and a gorgeous finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. This powerful, concentrated Cheval Blanc offers pleasure even today (needs lots of air) but warrants 7-8 years of bottle age and will see its 40th birthday in fine form.
99 Points | Decanter, Jane Anson
Spice, anis, rosemary, blackcurrant leaf, redcurrants, mint and peonies - the full array of aromatics are on display here, and there is an enveloping aspect to the fruit once you get to the body of the wine. The tannins are compact and powerful but they are wrapped in plump raspberry and blackberry brambled fruits. The wine feels full of life, with acidity that pulls the palate forward from the first moment, before austerity kicks in on the finish and closes things in, suggesting an extremely long life ahead. Hard to argue with this. 71% of overall production. The driest year at Cheval Blanc for 50 years (since 1959). Could go up after tasting in bottle, a potential 100 points.
99 Points | Vinous, Antonio Galloni
The 2020 Cheval Blanc is eternal, seamless and exceptionally beautiful. All the elements are so well put together. Rose petal, blood orange, raspberry jam and cinnamon all take shape in the glass. Above all else, the 2020 Cheval Blanc is a wine of mind-blowing balance. Hints of mocha, raspberry jam, pomegranate and spice emerge with time in the glass. Cheval is quite simply one of the truly great wines of the vintage.
98 Points | Vinous - Neal Martin
The 2020 Cheval Blanc has such a pretty, floral bouquet that you will instantly be smitten: very well defined and extremely pure with an almost Burgundian allure. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins and a cashmere texture. There's not an edge to be found on the persistent and graceful finish. Captivating. Mesmerizing. How many more adjectives do you need? Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
98 Points | James Suckling
Lots of blueberries and flowers such as violets and crushed stone. This is very structured and muscular with minerally tannins that run the length of the wine. Very closed. Polished texture that gives it class and presence. This is one for the cellar. 65% merlot, 30% cabernet franc and 5% cabernet sauvignon. Try after 2030.
98 Points | The Wine Independent, Lisa Perrotti-Brown
A blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 Cheval Blanc has more Merlot than usual as some of the young Cabernet Franc that would normally be used was not suitable this year but the Merlot was outstanding! It has a deep purple-black color and a pH of 3.7. The nose is very closed and tight to begin, needing a lot of swirling to coax out notes of plum preserves, black cherry compote, and blueberry pie, followed by suggestions of pencil shavings, clove oil, candied violets, cast-iron pan, and fertile loam, with a waft of wild sage. The medium to full-bodied palate is locked-up tight, with loads of layers, bound with a firm frame of grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy. It will need a lot of time!