Structure

Bodymedium
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Oakbarrel aged

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2020: best 2023 to 2028.
vintage3 yrs8 yrs10 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Advocate reviewed 2022202093/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedHigh acidityDryClean, Persistent Citrus And Mineral finish

Aroma: grapefruit, white peach, lemon zest, flint, fresh herbs

Palate: citrus cream, green apple, saline minerality, subtle oak spice

Barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend from Cheval Blanc's estate, classified as Bordeaux Blanc since Saint-Emilion AOC prohibits white varieties. Elegant citrus and flint profile with saline length.

What it pairs with

  • Oysters on the half shell
    High acidity and mineral salinity are a textbook pairing with briny Atlantic oysters.
  • Grilled langoustines
    Citrus-led fruit echoes shellfish sweetness; acidity cuts through butter.
  • Goat cheese salad
    The wine's bright acidity contrasts the tangy cheese; herbal notes bridge the green salad.

How to serve Le Petit Cheval Blanc

Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
  2. Serve at 8-10°C. Cellar temperature (8-10°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a smaller all-purpose white glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Oysters on the half shell, Grilled langoustines, Goat cheese salad. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

Le Petit Cheval Blanc was conceived as an experimental project from 2014, with the first commercial release being the 2015 vintage. White grape varieties are not permitted in the Saint-Emilion AOC, so the wine is classified as AOC Bordeaux Blanc. Initially 100% Sauvignon Blanc, the estate added Semillon from the 2018 vintage to introduce textural complexity.

  1. 2015: First commercial vintage released as AOC Bordeaux Blanc
  2. 2018: Semillon added to the blend for textural depth

Facts

Producer
Chateau Cheval Blanc · visiting guide
Grapes
Sauvignon Blanc (80%), Semillon (20%)
Classification
AOC Bordeaux Blanc
Oak
Barrel-fermented in 400-litre French oak; no malolactic fermentation
ABV
13.0%
Price
EUR 60-100 at retail
Drinking window
3-8 from vintage
First vintage
2015

Frequently asked about Le Petit Cheval Blanc

What does Le Petit Cheval Blanc taste like?

On the nose, grapefruit, white peach, lemon zest, flint, fresh herbs. On the palate, citrus cream, green apple, saline minerality, subtle oak spice. Structurally medium-bodied, high acidity with a clean, persistent citrus and mineral finish. Barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend from Cheval Blanc's estate, classified as Bordeaux Blanc since Saint-Emilion AOC prohibits white varieties. Elegant citrus and flint profile with saline length.

When should I drink Le Petit Cheval Blanc?

Drink 3-8 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Le Petit Cheval Blanc?

Oysters on the half shell is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Grilled langoustines and Goat cheese salad. High acidity and mineral salinity are a textbook pairing with briny Atlantic oysters.

What grapes are in Le Petit Cheval Blanc?

The blend is Sauvignon Blanc (80%), Semillon (20%). The wine is classified as AOC Bordeaux Blanc.

Tags

dry high acid medium body medium term mood elegant mood refreshing occasion aperitivo occasion summer old world pairs with oysters pairs with shellfish pairs with soft cheese pairs with white fish price premium sauvignon blanc semillon still white

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