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Falstaff: Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Intensive schwarze Waldbeeren, ein Hauch von Wacholder, Kräutern und Tabak, Heidelbeeren, kandierte Mandarinenzesten, sehr facettenreiches Bukett. Stoffig, hochelegant, reife Herzkirschen, finessenreich strukturiert, nahtlose, perfekte Tannine, ein hochdelikater Wein von enormer Länge, umwerfende Mineralität, für eine lange Reifezeit ausgelegt, ein Hauch von Nougat im Nachhall, ein enormes Zukunftsversprechen."
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Wine Advocate: A blend of 51% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2025 Château Cheval Blanc stands out once again as among the finest wines of the vintage in Bordeaux. Wafting from the glass with a deep bouquet of dark berries and cherries mingled with notions of blood orange and iris, it's full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with terrific mid-palate density, sweet tannins and a long, vibrant, violet-inflected finish. With its striking aromas, intensity of flavor and resolutely classical proportions (checking in at 12.7% alcohol and pH of 3.76), the 2025 gives every indication of being one of the great Cheval Blancs of the decade."
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The Wine Cellar Insider: Purple in hue, the wine explodes with an array of flowers, smoky truffles, black plums, black cherries, blue fruits, orange rind, tobacco leaf, licorice, and chocolate in the perfume. However, the palate is the main event. The mouthfeel perfectly balances its hedonistic tendencies with a touch of reticence, in a good way. There is length, volume, intensity, opulence, and lift. The seamless finish provides silk and velvet tannins, allowing the depth and purity of the fruit to stand out in the extensive, vibrant finish. The key to the vintage was the combination of a dry summer, which lowered yields, and the much-needed August rains, which brought about full maturity. 46 of 47 parcels were placed into the blend. It is important to note that no second wine was produced. Even more importantly, very little Cheval was produced. Yields were a scant 15 hectoliters per hectare, making this the lowest yields in the history of the estate. The wine is made from 51% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. 12.7% ABV, 3.6 pH. The harvest began September 18 for the Merlot, finishing their Cabernet Franc on October 3. Drink from 2030-2070."
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Vinum: Was für ein zauberhafter Duft, Floralität ohne Ende, Veilchen, Kräuter, Cassis, pfefferwürzig, mit kühlem Kamin, komplex, mit Tiefgang und viel Frische im Bouquet; am Gaumen präzis und fokussiert, baut Druck auf, bleibt mit nur 12.7% Alkohol leichtfüssig, die Tannine sind reichlich vorhanden, begleiten die knackige Frucht von A-Z, stets präsent, seidig; der Abgang ist ausgewogen und von grosser Länge. Ein klassischer, Cheval-Blanc in diesem paradoxen Jahr. "
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Decanter: One of the lowest yields of Cheval Blanc at just 8hl/ha. Chinese five spice, cedar, cinnamon, rose buds, soy, purple flowers, blackcurrants and cherries on the nose. Supple and fleshy, round and enveloping yet softly chalky so you get weight but not massive density in the glass. Tannins are wonderful and the power comes underneath not at the fore. Suave, fresh and floats along the palate - generous yet reined in, glossy, bright with lovely acidity. Almost a bit shy and quiet but so well controlled. I love it for its delicacy and hands-off approach. Definitely not a showstopper but given the conditions it’s incredible how they ended up here. Complex, charming, soft, pretty and delicious without trying too hard at all. 3.76pH."
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James Suckling: Perfumed, with aromas of flowers, brambleberries and wild berries. Medium-bodied with tight, fine tannins that run forever on the palate. Hints of cedar, mushrooms and bark. Crunchy at the end. Just a hint of fancy bitterness and chocolate. Transparent and complete."
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Lisa Perrotti-Brown: Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2025 Cheval Blanc needs a little patient shaking and swirling to unlock notes of black raspberries, mulberries, red currant preserves, and pencil shavings, leading to hints of damp soil and charcoal. The light-bodied palate is fantastically elegant and soft-spoken with very fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness matching the delicate red and black fruit layers, finishing long and minerally. The blend is 51% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. The alcohol is 12.7% and the pH is 3.76. This is aging in French oak barrels, 100% new."
