I opened this on my birthday (it seemed apropos). Like its big brother (sister/horse-er?), it is a St-Émilion Grand Cru…and I tried the 2021, which, omg, I feel bad I have committed so much wine infanticide in my life…this is good now but shows SO much promise for age-ousity (new wine adjective, adverb?) Made of 60% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc. Blackberries, tobacco, slight violet notes and toasty cedar on the nose initially, heavy twirling teases out hints of red plum. The palate starts earthy, broadening across the mid-palate to reveal juicy, juicy cassis (red and black) and a touch of dried vines that reads as enriching, not drying—inching further towards perfume on the finish. The tannins are the melt-in-your-mouth type—they make themselves known and then relax. I loved this wine. Give it air if you open it now, lots of air and twirl it like it’s the belle of the ball, but ideally, give it a little more time. I’m not sure when it will peak, but it should continue to evolve favorably over the years. — 4 months ago
Full bodied and smooth sauv Blanc that lends low acid grapefruit — 9 months ago
2009 vintage ( half bottle). Looks more evolved than the 2010 tasted alongside. But it is also much more complex. Intense perfume showing an abundance of noble rot, with roasted nuts, pineapple, honey, and a hint of thyme. Concentrated and layered, perfectly balanced and very long. Seems to be a notch above the 2010 today — 2 months ago
See several previous notes. My last of these Cuvées from Kangaroo Island South Australia and owned by the French Lurton family of Cheval Blanc fame. Savoury plum with earthy overtones. With air the aromas were almost intoxicating. Quite bold and full bodied on the palate - oak has integrated. Rich and spicy yet cleansing and moreish. Touch of camphor finishing with fine sandy tannins. — 2 years ago
Ok slutty, big ole cheese and apricot on the nose. Thick rich round viscous body. Drank with oysters and tartare while Oh Yeah by Yello played — a month ago
2022 vintage. Lots of changes in 2022, as Xavier Planty sold his shares to Matthieu Gufflet. Xavier's son, Luc Planty took care of a smooth transition ( check him out for his ambitious project at Château de Malle!) when Sandrine Garbay (Château Yquem's maître de chai for more than 2 decades) was nominated as a general manager. Her first vintage is excellent, with beautiful aromatics (roasted pineapple, vanilla, mango, honey, and flowers). Layered and intense with lots of botrytis, but also an amazingly refreshing acidity which reminds me of the 2014 Sauternes vintage. Exquisite balance, layered, and with a very long, fresh finish with a subtle almond bitterness. Excellent, and still very affordable for this quality. A pleasure to taste now, but I expect true magic in a decade or more. Ab. 13,5%. — 3 months ago
Andrew McIntyre
Label was gone so you'll all just have to believe me that this was a Cheval blanc 🤣. Very far along with leather, mushroom and forest floor flavours. Great wine from a poor vintage — 7 days ago