Petit Cheval 2011 ex-ch 750ml

The 2011 Le Petit Cheval (75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc) is very Pomerol-like (not surprising since this vineyard sits on the Pomerol/St.-Emilion border). Abundant notes of berries, leafy underbrush, currants, plums and a hint of Asian spices are found in this attractive, fruit-forward effort. Enjoy it over the next decade.

Chateau Le Petit Cheval is the second wine of the legendary First Growth (Premier Grand Cru Class) Chaeau Cheval Blanc (Castle of the White Horse). Cheval Blanc lies in the farthest corner of Saint Emilion bordering Pomerol. Chaeau Cheval Blanc came into being when land and vines were acquired from its neighbour Chateau Figeac by the Fourcaud Laussac family in 1832. Today Cheval Blanc is owned by Bernard Arnault (chairman of LVMH) and Albert Frure (also owners of Chateau d'Yquem) with Pierre Lurton as estate manager.
The 100 acre vineyard of Chateau Cheval Blanc is unusual in that it borders the stony plateau of Pomerol and takes on some of those qualities, it spans the gravel ridge which travels across to Chateau Figeac and also covers terroir typical of Saint Emilion. The grapes grown are also unusual as they are not the atypical Saint Emilion Merlot dominated vines. They are 57% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot and small parcels of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Meats, Beef and Venison