This is well done for the second wine of Cheval with orange peel and chocolate with hints of hazelnut. Full to medium body, with fine tannins and a lovely finish. This is the first year that the wines of Cheval were made parcel by parcel in the new winery.

Polished, offering good mouthfeel to the layers of fig sauce, crushed plum and licorice. Judicious toast frames the finish, with a hint of charcoal adding length. A little lighter than when tasted from barrel, but still balanced and refined without trying too hard. — JM

The quality of Cheval Blanc’s second wine continues to go from strength to strength. For example, the 2011 Le Petit Cheval reveals savory, high-brow nuances along with black currant, black cherry, spice box and mineral notes. Round, generous and medium-bodied, this sleeper of the vintage is ideal for drinking over the next decade or more.

Representing just 20% of the total production (with 15% sold off in bulk), the Le Petit Cheval is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. It has a light, airy bouquet with dark berry fruit. There is just a touch of leafiness but it is fresh and well defined. The palate is a little chunky on the entry with grippy tannins. It is a little rustic and disjointed at the moment, although it should meld together with time. Leaving my glass for a few minutes it offers some attractive herbaceous/tertiary flavours towards the finish. This will probably drink over the next 5-8 years. Tasted April 2012.

Drink 2018-2031 Heavy bottle. 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 55% new oak (less than usual). Deep cherry red. Beautiful restraint and that wonderful, gentle freshness. Gliding tannins, no sweetness, though there's fragrant fruit, and I cannot avoid the word mineral. Very very sublte. Not especially aromatic. Utterly tender and fine. Not powder, not dusty, just so refined. The wine disappears gently on the finish evanescent rather than short. (JH)