Cheval Blanc 1989

A bottle courtesy of the generosity of "Big Steve", this compensated for the odd Scandinavian-bottled '62 Cheval! A decadent, ravishing nose of blackberry, dark Valrona chocolate, mocha and brown sugar with brilliant delineation. The palate is full-bodied, very savoury with that Cabernet Franc in full flow. Fine, firm tannins, superb depth, a real mouthful of Cheval Blanc with a touch of plum and yes, "Bovril" on the aftertaste. Drinking superbly now, but it has a few more years ahead of it yet. Tasted February 2008.

Somewhat of a disappointment in a sometimes great yet variable vintage, the color a dark ruby with amber at the edge, this wine shows sweet plum, fig, and currant notes, along with some herbs and earth. In the mouth, it is surprisingly lightweight for a wine with superior year, medium bodied, relatively lush, but an essentially one-dimensional wine with a spicy, surprisingly short finish. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. Last tasted, 12/02.

Good color. Tanned leather, earth and ripe fruit. Medium- to full-bodied, with herbs and berries. Slight dilution in the center palate.Outstanding, but not a classic Cheval.--Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now.

Almost a burnt rusty look to this deep brick wine with an aged rim. Looks much younger than the 1983 though. Quite a light nose but classic Cabernet Franc aromas with a bit of dried dusty fruit underneath. The alcohol is a little obvious on the finish - not a complete wine though pretty showy in terms of ripeness. Drink 1997-2010. Date tasted 10th Dec 07.