Tasting Notes
Vinous 94
The 1989 Cheval Blanc has a savory bouquet with red fruit, black truffle shavings, Montecristo cigars and brown spices – very vibrant and focused. There is a tangible sense of energy here. The palate is medium-bodied, with grainy tannins and brown spices infusing the black fruit. Clove and more red fruit surface towards the finish, with hints of leather and mocha on the aftertaste. This Saint-Emilion seems to "grow" in the glass and leaves you wanting more, so don’t be afraid to decant this. Excellent. Tasted at the 1989 Bordeaux dinner at 67 Pall Mall.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2044
JancisRobinson.com 17.5
Sweet and spicy on the nose though initially fairly light in terms of impact. At first it seemed a bit tight and mean although it opened up in the glass. A pretty impressive drink but without the conviction of the Lhose 1989s served alongside.
Anticipated maturity: 2004-2022
Robert Parker 96
Tasted at Cheval Blanc dinner at The Ledbury. One of the finest vintages of Cheval Blanc in recent years, this is the best bottle that I have encountered. It has a show-stopping bouquet of bacon fat, roasted chestnut, blackberry and still that heavenly tincture of Italian meats. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, so vigorous and a oeconfidenta with a tangible meatiness to that ebullient red fruit that is degrading at a glacial pace. Lovely poise on the finish with that walnut notes once again, although I did remark that over time in the glass it relinquished some of its harmony. Still, this is a Cheval that oozes charisma. Drink now-2020+ Tasted November 2010.
Anticipated maturity: 2011-2020
