2020 Le Petit Cheval, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Tasted by Jane Anson(at Primeur week tastings in Bordeaux, 01 May 2021)

A huge amount of density and grip, the tannins close in from the first moment and it needs some time to get past the intense cocoa bean, liquorice and cassis fruit, but as it opens up you get a generous serving of peony, iris and violet. The focus is very much on what the Cabernet Franc is giving at this point, and this is a serious Petit Cheval. 12% of overall production because the dry summer was tough on the young vines on gravel (with 71% going to the main estate wine and 17% not bottled under the estate name). 3.7pH.

Drinking Window 2025 - 2038

(59% CF, 41% M; 12% harvest; 14.3% ABV; 50% new)
Subtly ripe black cherry fruit to smell; rich, compact, tight wine, fresh and firmly tannic; richly sweet, dense, ample, both firm and fleshy at once, but succulently juicy within the tannins, with a vital, refereshing acidity and magnificent length. A really “serious” Petit Cheval, with fruit from more parcels than usual making it a particularly complete example. Fairly long-term wine, though. 2032–45+.

The 2020 Le Petit Cheval offers up aromas of minty cherries, plums, raw cocoa, mint and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and voluptuous palate underpinned by a broad-shouldered chassis of tannin. A blend of 59% Cabernet Franc and 41% Merlot, it's a rather structured young Petit Cheval that will reward a bit of patience.

59% Cabernet Franc, 41% Merlot. 12% of production. Cask sample. Juicy and fresh with dark-fruit and mint notes. Delicate and restrained on the palate but misses some depth in the middle. Tannins initially finely edged but a tad dry and grainy on the finish. (JL)