The 2009 Le Petit Cheval has a slight more monotone bouquet than 2009 Magrez-Fombrauge. Nicely defined aromas with high-toned blue fruit fusing with blackberry and raspberry notes. It just feels a little static. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, quite Left Bank in style thanks to subtle graphite and cedar notes. Good grip here, fresher than many; the finish displays admirable definition. Once the aromatics open up this could be very fine. - vinous.com, March 2019

The 2009 Le Petit Cheval is the best second wine I have ever tasted from this estate. Composed of two-thirds Merlot and one-third Cabernet Franc, it is better than most vintages of the grand vin from the sixties and seventies. Notes of chocolate, black cherries, herbs, and spice emerge from this full-bodied, thick, juicy wine. Enjoy it over the next 10+ years. (Tasted once.)

Possibly the finest second wine Cheval Blanc has yet produced, the 2009 Le Petit Cheval is a blend of 35% Merlot and 65% Cabernet Franc. It exhibits more caramelized notes than the grand vin along with a luscious, open-knit, subtle herbaceous component. This fleshy, sexy 2009 is ideal for drinking over the next decade.

(a 65/35 blend of cabernet franc and merlot): Moderately saturated medium red-ruby. Cabernet franc-dominated aromas of black cherry, licorice and flowers. Juicy, vibrant and light on its feet, with currant and violet flavors accented by herbs and pepper. Not at all fat but nicely smooth in the middle palate and on the lingering aftertaste, which features fine-grained tannins and lovely perfume. Nothing austere about this second wine.

(65% cabernet franc and 35% merlot; pH 3.87; 14.3% alcohol) Deep ruby. Vinous nose offers precise and surprisingly deep aromas of blackcurrant and strawberry. Enters light and smooth, with nicely concentrated flavors similar to the aromas. The extremely silky tannins are not at all those of a second wine, and this Petit Cheval displays much greater than usual texture and depth of flavor as well. Finishes with lively acidity and a lingering blackberry quality. A tasty, well-made, nicely balanced midweight wine that should offer immediate drinking pleasure, this is one of my three best "second wines" of the vintage.

[65CF35M] Rich, black cherry fruit, gravelly behind; a beautifully balanced, fruit packed pillow of a wine with clear but very refined tannin; generous, seductive, long, plump, fleshy, graceful; and so fragrantly fresh from all that Cabernet Franc; a flavour that is very ripe, fine and subtle, but also mineral marked, and with a tannin that is firm but well covered, and with lovely spicy length. A complete and impressive Petit Cheval. Will need 6-8 years. 2016-30