Château Cheval Blanc 1947: A Legendary Vintage

The Château Cheval Blanc 1947 stands as one of the most celebrated wines in the history of Bordeaux. Originating from an exceptional year, the 1947 vintage benefited from an extraordinary climate, with excessive heat during July, August, and September. These conditions resulted in intensely concentrated wines, often compared to fine Port wines due to their richness and depth. Despite the abundant harvest, the wines of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion emerged as the true winners of this vintage, producing legendary wines such as Pétrus and Cheval Blanc. The wines of the Médoc, while excellent in their youth, struggled with their high residual sugar content over time. Meanwhile, the Sauternes of this vintage showcased unparalleled excellence, developing a deep, powerful, and delicate bouquet.

Exceptional Ratings

Red Wines: 18/20
The red wines of Château Cheval Blanc 1947 are characterized by their remarkable richness and complexity. The exceptional climatic conditions of the vintage allowed for the production of wines with an intense concentration, velvety tannins, and an opulent texture. These wines exhibit deep flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice, with a long, persistent finish that continues to captivate collectors and connoisseurs. Over the decades, the 1947 red wines have evolved gracefully, maintaining their structure and showcasing an extraordinary balance of power and elegance.

A Unique Terroir

The Château Cheval Blanc estate covers 42 hectares, divided into 56 distinct parcels, each with its unique identity. The vineyard comprises 244,989 vines, each meticulously recorded by row and position, ensuring precise vineyard management. The estate's terroir is a harmonious blend of clay, gravel, and sandy soils, offering a diverse range of expressions within a singular ecosystem. This intricate mosaic of soil types creates an extraordinary canvas for the winemakers, allowing them to craft wines of unparalleled complexity and depth.

Historical Continuity and Identity

Château Cheval Blanc is one of the few estates that has maintained its original vineyard boundaries for nearly a century and a half, forming a cohesive and balanced ecosystem. The continuity extends to its grape composition, with Cabernet Franc making up approximately 50% of the vineyard since 1911. This distinctive varietal composition sets Cheval Blanc apart from other right-bank estates, blending 55% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The unique interplay of grape varieties, soil composition, and microclimate results in wines that are both powerful and elegant, with a signature aromatic complexity that defines the great wines of Saint-Émilion.

The Influence of Terroir on the Wine

Each parcel within the vineyard contributes specific characteristics to the final blend:

• Clay soils provide velvety, suave tannins.

• Gravelly soils contribute to aromatic finesse and elegance.

• Sandy soils add a delicate touch, balancing power with refinement.

The meticulous blending of these distinct elements produces wines with remarkable structure, aromatic richness, and age-worthiness.

A Testament to Excellence

The 1947 Château Cheval Blanc remains a benchmark vintage, embodying the extravagance of nature perfected through skilled craftsmanship. Its legendary status continues to captivate collectors and connoisseurs alike, offering an extraordinary tasting experience characterized by opulence, complexity, and an enduring legacy.

For those seeking a truly remarkable addition to their collection, the Château Cheval Blanc 1947 stands as a timeless testament to Bordeaux's winemaking heritage and the unparalleled potential of Saint-Émilion's terroir