Home » Listed Chateaux » Cheval Blanc

Château Cheval Blanc, a Bordeaux property in Saint-Émilion, is one of only two wines to receive the highest rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé (A) status in the Classification of Saint-Emilion wine.   One of the rare properties to never have changed hands, the vineyard has been the property of the Fourcaud-Laussac for over 150 years. In 1832 Château Figeac sold 15 ha/37 acres to M. Laussac-Fourcaud, including part of the narrow gravel ridge that runs through Figeac and neighboring vineyards and reaches Château Pétrus just over the border in Pomerol. This became Château Cheval Blanc which, in the International London and Paris Exhibitions in 1862 and 1867, won medals still prominent on its labels. The château remained in the family until 1998 when it was sold to Bernard Arnault, chairman of LVMH, and Belgian businessman Albert Frère.   Located in the commune of Saint Emilion, close to the boundaries of the Pomerol appellation, the single block of Cheval Blanc’s 37 hectares combines a top quality wine-growing soil with an original mix of grape varieties, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The Cabernet Franc is the main variety, bringing aromatic complexity, elegance, finesse and, on the palate, great freshness in the finish. This exceptional combination gives the wine of Cheval Blanc its uniqueness. The Chateau is planted with 66% Cabernet Franc, 33% Merlot, 1% Malbec. Average age of vines is 39 years.   Appellation: St Emilion Areas under Vine: 36 hectares Average Annual Production: 6,000 cases per annum Soil: Gravelly topsoil and clay sub-soil Grape Varieties: Cabernet Franc (66%), Merlot (33%), Malbec (1%) Ageing: Aged in new oak barrels for 18 months for the grand vin Top Vintages: 1921, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1953, 1964, 1982, 1983, 1990, 2000, 2001, 2005