The nose is subdued, showing tar, dark olives and tobacco. Medium- to full-bodied with intensity, energy and linear, polished tannins. The palate is nuanced and delicate, with flavors of dark fruit and dark chocolate. It has length and remarkable elegance. The tannins have integrated. Drink or hold.

The nose screams purity, precision and tightly-defined delight, with very fine scents of dried blackcurrants, damson and cherry fruits, nicely embedded within a frame of cigar box and pencil shavings and a limestone dust minerality. But it is also fragrant, with scents of the rose garden, a beautiful expression of Cabernet Franc, opening out to also reveal notes of tobacco. And the palate starts off in such an understated manner, so elegant and poised, slowly drawing you in, with its focus seemingly solely on the floral dark fruits at first, but then underneath you see the structure, the very tight grip of velvety tannins, which have such a fine ripeness that they engender the palate with a wonderful silky substance, while remaining vinous and dry. Put together with the wine’s fresh and strident acidity this makes for an excellent Cheval Blanc, loaded with energy, precision, texture and poise, but also with the tannic depth it needs to carry it forward. I recall this from the primeurs, when I was unimpressed by its rather pointed red-fruit character. Now I must eat my words, because this is an excellent, long and charged wine which far surpasses the potential of my first impressions.

A bold nose, structured and dense. The palate is so delicious, just so filling but not heavy. It has the crushed stone, chalk texture that is satisfying and the undercurrent of bright red fruit and cooling mint both acting at the same time. It's the base flavour and texture here that is so persistent, really driving the wine forward with motion and precision but with a deepness, really coming from the core of the wine. Forceful and persistent but graceful and so charming - not heavy or trying too hard. Perfectly balanced with excellent energy and grip. Excellent definition overall. A stunning wine. (GH)