Château Cheval Blanc 1988 – ELM

The first vintage of Château Cheval Blanc’s second wine was a wonderful beginning. 1988 Petit Cheval has its own identity, and its quality and ageing potential are obvious. Fortunately, the very first cuvée of Petit Cheval 1988 is a great success. It has a carmine colour with brick-red highlights. The nose is quite developed: elegant and complex, with hints of cinnamon, cocoa, forest floor, cedar, and ink. The wine starts out straightforward and smooth on the palate, with considerable freshness. The structure is rather light, with soft tannin. This first vintage of Petit Cheval augers extremely well for Cheval Blanc’s second wine. It lays claim to its own identity, with aromas and flavours that set it apart from the grand vin. It is delicious to drink now, and is at its peak.