Le Petit Cheval 2006

One of the stronger second wines I have tasted from manager/winemaker, Pierre Lurton, the 2006 Le Petit Cheval exhibits a dark ruby hue along with sweet red and black fruit notes intermixed with underbrush, forest floor, and licorice characteristics. This is a seductive second wine that cascades over the palate with no hard edges. Enjoy it over the next 6-7 years.

Tasted at Cheval Blanc. A very taught, Morello, redcurrant nose with good minerality. The palate has excellent delineation, cohesive and pure with a very Merlot dominated mid-palate. A touch of burnt toasty on the linear finish. Moderate length. Tasted April 2007.

60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc. Deep crimson. Pretty ripe and round with no hint of green on the nose, a little inky and weedy and severe but only at the very end. Slightly dry tannins. Only just fruity enough - a little scrawny. Definitely lightweight. Fresh greenness. Fades a bit on the finish.