Cheval Blanc 1999

A blend of 59% Merlot and 41% Cabernet Franc, the complex, explosively fragrant 1999 Cheval Blanc is already showing well, which is a good sign for a wine that traditionally is reserved early in life, but puts on weight and richness in the bottle. Stylistically, this wine is probably cut from the same mould as vintages such as 1985, 1966, and 1962. The color is a dense ruby with purple nuances. Once past the blockbuster bouquet of menthol, leather, black fruits, licorice, and mocha, the wine reveals medium body, extraordinary elegance, purity, and sweet, harmonious flavors with no hard edges. A seamless beauty of finesses, charm, and concentration, 1999 has produced an exciting Cheval Blanc to drink relatively young.

The 1999 Cheval Blanc is a vintage that has never quite rocked my boat, and at 20 years of age, it still doesn’t. The bouquet feels a little simple and quite high-toned for Cheval Blanc, driven by the Merlot and trying too hard to impress. The palate is medium-bodied with robust tannin and sweet candied red berry fruit tinged with orange peel and brown spices. I appreciate the density, though it is not a precise Cheval Blanc and lacks a bit of personality. One more thing: it does not put sufficient distance between itself and Le Petit Cheval. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the estate. Drink 2019-2029.

Spicy, vegy nose with great, top-quality density and balance. Pretty smart without being too concentrated or sweet. Very fresh and vibrant. Good wine!

A beautiful wine, round and opulent with creamy fruit. Dare we say it, but some of our group felt that this was showing even better than the 1998 did last year! It certainly beats 1995 and 1996. Absolutely gorgeous. Controversially, Robert Parker is convinced that this wine is better than the 1998 and the best since 1990.