Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe A

2008 Château Cheval Blanc is a perfectly polished vintage that is one of the finest wines of the year in Bordeaux thanks to its aromatic purity and complexity. The lovely red colour is quite intense. The nose exhibits tremendous aromatic purity and well-focused fruit, especially black fruit and redcurrant. The bouquet goes on to reveal overtones of spring flowers and fresh mint that give a particular cachet to this ripe, but in no way overripe vintage. The wine starts out full-bodied and concentrated, with plenty of power and smoothness. Epitomising the balance between concentration and freshness, the long aftertaste is quite elegant, with tannin the melts beautifully in the mouth. Although already showing considerable complexity, this vintage gives every indication of decades of life ahead.