Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2018 (750ML)

93-95 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "This year, this is truly a baby Cheval, right in line with the grand vin,” commented Technical Director Pierre-Olivier Couet. Ten percent of the total production this year went into this second label of Cheval Blanc. Composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Le Petit Cheval needs a lot of coaxing to encourage subtle nuances of crushed rocks, fallen leaves, potpourri and fertile loam to emerge before giving way to fragrant notes of warm blueberries, black raspberries, kirsch and unsmoked cigars with a touch of Marmite toast. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers layers of fresh, crunchy black fruits and loads of earthy sparks, framed by soft, velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long." 04/19

90 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2018 Le Petit Blanc, the first vintage to include Sémillon, has an intriguing, well-defined bouquet of gooseberry, Nashi pear, glimpses of apricot blossom and praline emanating from the Sémillon. The palate is medium-bodied with good weight and a satisfying sense of harmony, plus a very slight oily texture. Not overly complex, but is taut and focused, leading into a lightly spiced, quasi-Alsace finish." 03/21

98 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "A wonderful and rather exotic white with aromas of pears, lychees, lemons and some green apples that follow through to the palate and show layers of dreamy texture and a long, flavorful finish. The texture is more like a red that a white. Fermented and aged in slightly larger oak barrels. This is a special wine and the best release so far. Very intense. 74% sauvignon blanc and 26% semillon. One for the cellar." 02/21

93-95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "In the running for the top second wine of the vintage, the 2018 Le Petit Cheval checks in as 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc and has incredible quality for a second wine. Floral notes of black cherries, graphite, and smoked earth all emerge from this medium to full-bodied Saint-Émilion that has plenty of classic Cheval Blanc elegance and purity as well as length. It’s already seamless and hard to resist, and ideal for drinking over the coming two decades or so." 05/19