"53% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. The old vine Merlot and Cabernet Franc plots were tasted separately. The Merlot’s deep, rich, seductive raspberry fruit is set off against the fresh, finely detailed, tannic assertiveness of the Cab Franc. A fabulous freshness runs through the palate, finishing in a salty, clipped precision. The tannins are supple and fine, making for a refined Cheval Blanc, true class.  Harvest started on 30th August. 80% of the Merlot was picked in the last two days of August – very early. No press wine was used, as always. Cropped at 27hl/ha on average. A touch more was produced than last year – 85,000 bottles of the grand vin.  C&B Score: 19 Drinking dates: 2031-51"