2006 Cheval Blanc, St-Emilion (1.5L)

SKU #1048721 96-98 points Wine Enthusiast

Barrel Sample Dark chocolate and mocha flavors, very dark and intense, this is a big, concentrated wine, flavored with bitter cherries and structured. Certainly a great Cheval Blanc. (6/ 2007)

95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The brilliant 2006 Cheval Blanc performed better from bottle than from barrel. A blend of equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot grown in a superb vineyard site facing La Conseillante and l’Evangile at the very edge of the sandy, gravelly soils of St.-Emilion, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of menthol, charcoal, boysenberries, black currants, and hints of cocoa and caramel. Lush, textured, and opulent with superb purity, medium to full body, savory flavors, and sweet, sexy tannins, this stunning Cheval Blanc may be even better than the 2005. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030. (2/ 2009)

95 points Wine & Spirits

A supple and heady vintage of Cheval, this gains power and amplitude over the course of several days. What sets it apart is the relaxed sophistication cabernet franc can yield from these 50-year-old vines. That adds vinosity to the Cheval's tight build, while the beautiful richness of the wine is classic merlot. It's the color of a black cherry, with the ripe flavor of that fruit darkened by the scent of figs, brightened by a floral note of violets. The tannins are supple, with a depth that will sustain the wine for decades. (12/ 2009)

95 points Wine Spectator

Displays lots of milk chocolate, cedar, berry and cappuccino aromas. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins, this is structured and layered for the vintage. Mouthpuckering. Needs time. This is one of the wines of the vintage. Best after 2015. (3/ 2009)

94 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Good deep ruby-red. Captivating nose combines blackberry, menthol, licorice, bitter chocolate, violet and a flinty, iron-like element. Densely packed and very fresh, with superb energy and definition to the complex flavors of cassis, blackberry, licorice, menthol and minerals. A floral element contributes to the impression of vibrancy. This is more impressive than it was at any stage of its elevage, offering surprising chewy richness and sweetness for a brand-new Cheval. Finishes with broad, toothdusting tannins that mount slowly and saturate the palate. This wonderfully smooth wine gained in precision and floral perfume with 24 hours in the recorked bottle and should be at its best roughly between 2015 and 2035. (6/ 2009)

Jancis Robinson

Very dark crimson. Light, quite mellow scent. Very sweet black cherry start. Rich and appealing. Dry as dust on the end with a mineral note. Long-term wine. (1/ 2010)

K&L Notes

** 55% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc. Black cherry, black licorice aromas. Only 28 htl/htr. Lots of strength on the palate. Will be very good. Ralph Sands: Powerful Cheval, dark fruit, intense wine with grip and tannin, not a smoothy in 2006, strong claret.