Winemaker Notes
The grapes were exceptionally rich and concentrated this year, and Petit Cheval displays a great balance between power, complexity, and aromatic purity. The color is deep and intense, and is barely showing any signs of age. The nose is very fruity and rich, with aromas of cherry, blackcurrant, and fruit in brandy. The very pure bouquet goes on to reveal elegant overtones of oak that fit in beautifully. The wine starts out quite powerful on the palate, but remains fresh and smooth. The tannin is unctuous and the fruit exuberant. Blackcurrant predominates in a very complex flavor profile. The aftertaste is extremely long and provides the perfect finish to this delicious and perfectly-balanced wine. This is a great Petit Cheval that is already a delight to drink, although it still has considerable freshness and ageing potential.
In most of France, wines are named by their place of origin and not by the type of grape (with the exception of Alsace). Just like a red Burgundy is by law, always made of Pinot noir, a red Bordeaux is a blended wine composed mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Depending on the laws of the village from which the grapes come, the conditions of the vintage and decisions of the winemaker, the blend can be further supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and in rare cases, Carmenere. So popular and repeated has this mix of grape varieties become worldwide, that the term, Bordeaux Blend, refers to a wine blended in this style, regardless of origin.