Le Petit Cheval 2021
Recommended
IN BOND
Delivery 2024
Appellation - St EmilionOwner - Bernard Arnault and Albert Frère
43% Merlot, 52% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Second wine – Le Petit Cheval
Annual production – 120,000 bottles
TASTING NOTES
"The 2021 Le Petit Cheval, which, according to Pierre Lurton, contains more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, has attractive iris flower and incense aromas on the nose, along with plenty of dark berry fruit and just a touch of crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit on the entry, that Cabernet imparting a Médoc-like structure, and a strict, saline finish. I can see this aging well in bottle while waiting for the Grand Vin to reach its drinking plateau."
90/92
Neal Martin, vinous.com, May 2022
"Representing 13% of the estate's production (a further 18% was sold off in bulk), the 2021 Le Petit Cheval exhibits aromas of cherries, sweet berries, loamy soil, tobacco leaf and spices. Medium to full-bodied, lively and nicely concentrated, with powdery tannins and a saline finish, it's a blend of 60% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc."
89/91
William Kelley, Wine Advocate (260), April 2022
"The 2021 Le Petit Cheval is a blend of 60% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Cabernet Franc. It needs a little swirling to unlock notes of black cherries, redcurrant, and mulberries, plus hints of cedar, clove oil, and dusty soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegant and refreshing, with lovely harmony thanks to soft, delicately played tannins, finishing with compelling baking spices notes.
2026-2043"
89/91
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, May 2022
"This is a very structured Petit Cheval, because of the higher than normal cabernet sauvignon in the blend. It seems more like Pauillac, with blackcurrants and chewy yet polished and intense tannins. It needs time. 60% merlot, 33% cabernet sauvignon and 7% cabernet franc."
94/95
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, May 2022