Château Cheval Blanc 1947 (2 MAG)

Château Cheval Blanc 1947

St. Emilion, 1er Grand Cru Classé (A)

u.1t/hs, 1h/ms, 2 damp-stained labels, 1 wine-stained label, 1 torn import label, short capsules reveal vintage-dated corks, 2 corroded and slightly torn capsules, 1 sign of old seepage

Vintage from 15 September to 4 October. 14.4% alcohol. We all know about the difficult fermentations (ice in the vats!), extremely high residual sugar and volatile acidity. It can shout blackcurrants and sweetness, as well as coffee and chocolate, something of a Bailey's Cream of a wine! I have seen bottles of perfect provenance that have a thick Portiness unlike any other wine plus fireworks on the finish, truly overwhelming. I would always take the 1949 and 1948 over it, but that is a personal stylistic preference! In 2011 at the Château, a great nose of dark chocolate and vanilla pod, almost vanilla bourbon. Such incredible depth and persistence of bouquet. Like a beautiful, soft liqueur, so dense and yet now so palate-caressing. Cocoa powder at the end. Serena Sutcliffe, MW

WA 100

2 mags (cn)

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