CRITIC REVIEWS
Neal Martin
Three-quarters of the Merlot in the 2022 Cheval Blanc was Merlot picked in August-when no grape had ever been picked in that month before. It aged for just 13 months since the balance, texture and freshness were all exactly where they should be and there were concerns about the pH and potential spoilage if it spent a second winter in oak. The 2022 has an incredibly intense nose, yet it effortlessly maintains the delineation that most Right Bank estates can only dream about. Hints of blackcurrant, blueberry, violet, Earl Grey and an underlying <em>mineralite</em> come through with time. The palate is medium-bodied, perfectly balanced, pure and well defined with filigree tannins and hints of pencil shavings infusing the shimmering black fruit. A deft touch of black pepper on the aftertaste completes one of the standout wines in recent years. Tasted in September 2024 and then in January 2025 because I...err...forgot that I had already visited!
JancisRobinson.com
Tasted blind. Dark purplish black. Warm with seductive richness. Hedonistic. But not too overblown. Dry finish. Still very youthful. Very well composed. Throbs. (JR)


