En Primeur 2021 Release: Cheval Blanc

A stirring start to the day as Cheval Blanc 2021 has been released this morning at GBP 4740 per 12. Given the market prices for recent releases, this represents a sound price, with only the 2017 of the ‘modern’ Cheval Blanc era being cheaper – and that carrying a 92-point score from Neal Martin versus an impressive 95-97 for the 2021 (also note that the 2017 vintage was missing the vital old vine Cabernet Franc component, due to the frost, which marks Cheval out versus its peers). With volumes released down 35%, there won’t be as much as usual to go around.

We loved the 2021 Cheval with its incredible purity, balance, vineyard expression, Cabernet Franc structure and texture, and just sheer elegance. Whilst it has a different profile to the ‘power’ vintages of the past three releases, it is arguably the most expressive wine of its terroir that we have seen since 2016. The critics were equally enthused:

“One of the stars of the Right Bank in this challenging growing season.” Neal Martin

“one of the wines of the vintage. Vertical and aristocratic in bearing, Cheval is just stunning.” Antonio Galloni

“A terrific achievement… Long and penetrating, this is a serious, rather structured young Cheval Blanc that will require and reward patience.” William Kelley

“This is easily one of the wines of the vintage, powerful, classical and intellectual” Jane Anson

“This is an incredible, live-giving Cheval Blanc, and it is both classic and also classical, and very few wines can tick both boxes in 2021.” Matthew Jukes