This is so polished with extra-fine tannins. Love the licorice and raspberries and the complex, stony aromas and flavors. It builds slowly on the palate and then continues for minutes. A wonderful second wine of Cheval Blanc. Try from 2023.

Pow! The 100% Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Le Petit Cheval Blanc explodes from the glass, delivering a tantalizing perfume of ripe peaches, mango and fresh pineapple with hints of lime blossoms, lemongrass, fresh ginger and spearmint plus a waft of cedar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with tropical and stone fruit flavors complemented by a compelling textural component and a racy line of acid, finishing very long and very delicious.

The second wine of the estate is the 2016 Le Petit Cheval, a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc in 2016. As you’d expect with this estate, it’s incredibly elegant and has a perfumed, complex style in its blackberry and black cherry fruits, forest floor, and cedary spice. This medium-bodied, seamless, downright pretty wine is ideal for drinking over the coming 15-20 years or more.

The third vintage release of Cheval Blanc’s white. All Sauvignon Blanc, but with no green aspects. Aromatically lively, with citrus and flint on the nose. The palate is plush and supple with light herbal notes and fresh acidity cutting through. The 18 months in new oak, demi-muids and vats (14 and 26hl), delivers fine texture. Long balanced finish.

62% Merlot and most of the rest Cabernet Franc from a fine vintage. Very handsome indeed. Just the wine to be drinking now. No 'second-best' about it – very toothsome and fresh. Just the most appetising aspect of this appellation concentrated into one wine. One to drink while waiting for the grand vin to mature. (JR)