wine still
reserve
Château Cheval Blanc
Saint-Émilion, France
About this product
Saint-Émilion's most unusual First Growth — Cabernet Franc dominant (55–60%), the only First Growth of the right bank to be structured around Franc rather than Merlot. The wine is the finest expression of Cabernet Franc in the world: violet, pencil shavings, earth, blackberry — with exceptional freshness and minerality from the sandy clay soils. The 1947 is one of the greatest wines ever made. Modern benchmarks: 2000, 2009, 2010, 2020.
The deductive profile Library
colourdeep garnet
noseviolet, pencil, earth, blackberry, subtle spice — classic Franc character
palatesilky yet structured; less opulent than Pétrus; 20–40 year potential
Service
temp c17°C
decant minutes60 min
Open The Library to see this section in full.
Open The LibraryTasting profile
violet, pencil, earth, blackberry, subtle spice — classic Franc character
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Pairings
complement
main
Cabernet Franc dominant Cheval Blanc's violet-pencil character aligns perfectly with pigeon's subtly gamey richness. The foie gras adds luxury fat; lentils provide earthy minerality; rosemary echoes the Franc's herbaceous lift. A pairing of extreme elegance.
classic
main
complement
meat_poultry
Cheval Blanc's Cabernet Franc-driven raspberry-violet and the cherry sauce's fruit create a seamless bridge; the duck's fat depth provides structure for the wine's opulence
classic
main
elevate
truffle
Cheval Blanc's exceptional Cab Franc component bridges the truffle's mineral depth; an iconic Right Bank pairing
classic
starter
elevate
food
Cheval Blanc's exceptional Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend elevates roasted pigeon with fresh figs; a Right Bank classic
classic
main
complement
celebration
Cheval Blanc's Saint-Émilion blend bridges the roast duck and cèpes; the château's Cab Franc structure suits delicate game
classic
celebration
complement
meat_poultry
Bécasse (woodcock) is the most coveted game bird in France; the innard-enriched salmis preparation's iron-game intensity is the most fitting match for Cheval Blanc's complexity
established
main
complement
fungi_truffles
Foie gras's extraordinary fat and the fig's rich sweetness are calibrated for Cheval Blanc's opulence; the wine's violet-spice notes cut through the fat while the raspberry bridges the fig
established
main
complement
charcuterie_cheese
Fourme d'Ambert's mild blue character is proportioned to Cheval Blanc's spicy elegance; pear bridges the wine's raspberry-violet fruit; walnut provides textural contrast
suggested
cheese