Chateau Cheval Blanc   Cheval Blanc

1999 Cheval Blanc

By Chateau Cheval Blanc

1999 Cheval Blanc from Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux

At the turn of the millennium, enthusiasts and investors alike pondered over the potential legends that the closing decade would bequeath. It is with a cultivated palate and fluent reflection that one recognises the distinct luminescence of the 1999 Cheval Blanc from Chateau Cheval Blanc — a bastion of Saint-Emilion splendour.

 

The Allure of a Stellar Vintage

The vintage in question was indeed sculpted by the chisel of challenge — a year marked by climatic whimsies which entailed meticulous grape selection and adroit vinification. The result? A layered tapestry of complexity and poise, attributes that hint at the labyrinthine nuances of this meritorious 1999 vintage.

 

Keynotes on Investment and Enjoyment

A discerning investment choice, the 1999 Cheval Blanc illustrates the kind of gusto that swerves from the prosaic vista. Its refined tannin structure, interwoven with ripe blackberry and an undercurrent of truffle commands attention in both glass and portfolio.

Wise investors will note its stable maturation arc; seekers of enological indulgence will revel in its crescendo of olfactory hymns and gustatory psalms. This wine is a testament to viticultural integrity and vintner virtuosity amidst a vintage that demanded nothing less than excellence.

In an era increasingly intrigued by the roadmap of fine wine investment, the patronage upon such a year as '99 within the opulent halls of Bordeaux establishes a promising venture.

 

A Culmination for Connoisseurs

The 1999 Cheval Blanc from Chateau Cheval Blanc not only embodies but supersedes what has come to be expected from this revered terroir in an erratic year. With a profile poised between regality and rebellion, it captures both the spirit of its birth-year and the perennial grace one associates with exceptional Bordeaux. Savvy collectors would do well to regard this assemblage as one to watch, nurture, and — at that optimum moment — uncork.

Current market price

$7,580.00

12x75cl

Highest score

93

POP score

349.23

Scores and tasting notes

93

The complex, explosively fragrant 1999 Cheval Blanc is a blend of 59% Merlot and 41% Cabernet Franc. It 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 mold 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. This is a seamless beauty of finesse, charm, and concentration. The 1999 is an exciting Cheval Blanc to drink relatively young. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2022.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2002

88

Tasted at the 1999 horizontal at Bordeaux Index. Compared to Lafleur, this is a little simplistic on the nose, the Merlot in the driving seat with wild strawberry, raspberry, redcurrant but having said that, it does gain intensity with time. It is quite seductive but it lacks a little dimension. The palate is medium-bodied, cohesive, rounded in texture with a slight animally accent. Nice tension on the finish but it does lack the personality of Lafleur. Drink now-2016. Tasted June 2009.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2009

Vintage performance