Château Cheval Blanc, Premier Grand Cru Classé (A), St Emilion 2007 1x75cl

89-92 Points, Stephen Tanzer, Vinous (a 54/46 blend of cabernet franc and merlot) Good ruby-red. Pure nose offers blackberry, violet, licorice and bitter chocolate. Supple and sweet, with nicely integrated acidity that's in harmony with the wine's silky texture. Just a tad peppery; I looked for a bit more thrust. Best today on the finish, where the suave fruit shows a lovely restrained sweetness and spreads out to saturate the palate. This is around 13.5% alcohol, with a bit of saignee done for the merlot.Review Date: 01 May 08