CHATEAU CHEVAL BLANC SAINT-ÉMILION - FRANCE TÉL : 33 (0)

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1 33330 SAINT-ÉMILION - FRANCE TÉL : 33 (0) contact@chateau-chevalblanc.com

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3 2014 VINTAGE The 2014 vintage acquired a special charm from being harvested late in the season. The vineyard team was rather disheartened by the spring rain, but dry, sunny weather in September and October brought the harvest to satisfactory ripeness. It has been a vinegrower s vintage, as intensive vineyard operations were required to obtain even, optimum ripeness on every plot. In the end, it turned out to be a good vintage, with real Cheval Blanc character: floral with lots of fruit. Blending was particularly important and the diversity of the soils was expressed to the full. 3

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5 W e at h e r conditions 6 The late winter was warm and wet. April and May were cool, with average rainfall. Dry weather from 25th May to 21st June ensured satisfactory flowering. Thunderstorms on 22nd and 27th June ended the water deficit that was just beginning to set in. July was very rainy, with near-normal temperatures. August was cool and wet. The situation changed towards the end of the month and September was hot and sunny. The weather was generally dry, with only three wet days on 17th, 18th and 30th September. October was very mild and relatively dry. The months of September and October were among the warmest recorded in the past twenty years. 7

6 Vine growing cycle 8 Bud-break was two days earlier than average. The first flowers were observed around 22nd May, but flowering was spread over a long period, due to the cool temperatures at that time. Mid-flowering occurred on 2 June for the Merlot and 5 June for the Cabernet Franc, five days later than average. Flowering ended rapidly. Fruit-set went well on most plots. Mid-colour change occurred on 30th July for the Merlot, two days earlier than average. Mid-colour change for the Cabernet Franc occurred on 6th August.

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8 Vine growing cycle Thanks to exceptionally good autumn weather, it was possible to spread the harvest over 23 days, from 19th September to 10th October, and pick each plot at peak ripeness. The latest Merlot plots were harvested eight days after picking started on the Cabernet Franc. In the end, yields were nearly average for the Merlot grapes and considerably lower than average for the Cabernet Franc. The almost total absence of water stress before colour change was buffered on clay soils and resulted in ideal ripeness on gravel terroirs, particularly in the young vines. 13

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10 Composition of the ripe grapes 16 Sugar levels in the ripe Merlot grapes were lower than average for the period from 2004 to Unusually, the Cabernet Franc grapes were richer in sugar than the Merlot, as previously observed in As Cabernet Franc is a later-ripening variety than Merlot, it reaped the full benefit of the hot, relatively dry weather in September and early October. Acidity levels in the ripe grapes were significantly higher than average, due to the presence of malic acid. The size of the Merlot grapes led to slightly lower anthocyanin concentrations, while the Cabernet Franc, harvested later, benefited fully from the Indian summer, resulting in an above-average anthocyanin content.

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12 Château Cheval Blanc Lovely, deep, ruby-red colour. The rich, elegant bouquet reflects an impressive intensity, evolving into a cedar-wood bouquet.the black- and red berry fruit presents a harmonious blend of blackberries, blackcurrants, cherries, and raspberries. It also has heady, fruity and floral overtones, reminiscent of roses. The key descriptors for the bouquet of this vintage are its aromatic brilliance and precision. The initial impression on the palate is clean and powerful - even opulent. The mid-palate is bursting with fruit and has an unctuous texture, with a richness that perfectly envelops the density and tightness of the lovely, ripe tannins. The fresh, elegant aftertaste is remarkably long. Blend: 55% Merlot 45% Cabernet franc Tasting notes

13 Petit Cheval 2014 The colour of 2014 Petit Cheval is highly concentrated, with an even deeper centre. The initial bouquet is intensely minty, featuring blackcurrant and violet aromas, leading into floral and powdered almond notes, with hints of lilac. Barrel-ageing has contributed to hints of cocoa. The overall impression is of subtle sweetness. The flavour starts out soft and concentrated, leading into a lovely, fruity, freshness. The mid-palate is velvety and delicate. The long aftertaste is very elegant. Blend: 52% Merlot 48% Cabernet franc 23 Tasting notes

14 Quinault l Enclos After a rather poor season in 2013, Quinault L Enclos recovered its full splendour in the 2014 vintage: the Merlot grape variety, which is predominant in this urban vineyard near the Dordogne River, expresses its full potential in this favourable microclimate. Its deep-red colour is indicative of great concentration. The intense bouquet is evocative of fresh plums and fruity morello cherries, with slightly minty overtones. The fresh, lively palate is dominated by fruit. The tannins are smooth and the long aftertaste features hints of red-berry fruit. Blend: 69% Merlot 13% Cabernet franc 18% Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting notes

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16 Château Cheval Blanc Photo credits: Cécile Burban - Deepix - Thierry Fahmy Graphic design Bernard Pénalba - Production BSL