1998 Château Cheval Blanc is a legendary perfect-score vintage red wine from Saint-Émilion on the right bank of Bordeaux. This year not only showcased the winery's exceptional climate and harvest, but also marked the first vintage for LVMH Group Chairman Bernard Arnault and Baron Albert Frère, making it extremely valuable for both historical and collectible purposes.
Wine profile
- Appellation: Saint-Émilion, Right Bank, Bordeaux, France.
- Grape Blend: ~54%–65% Merlot, ~35%–46% Cabernet Franc (varies slightly by critic evaluation).
- Vintage Highlights: 1998 was a landmark year marked by the acquisition of the estate by Bernard Arnault and Baron Albert Frère, featuring a warm summer followed by refreshing September rain.
- 1998 marked a historical turning point for the estate as Bernard Arnault and Baron Albert Frère acquired the property.
- Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 13%.
Tasting Notes
- Deep garnet-brick color with intense aromas of exotic spices, incense, dried roses, cigar box, licorice, crème de cassis, and a distinctive mid-palate spark of Chinese five-spice and floral perfume. Silky, velvety tannins with an extraordinarily long, ethereal finish.
- Aroma: A complex bouquet of exotic spices, smoke, dried rose, cigar box notes, Crème de cassis, and dried cherries.
- Palmistry: Medium to full-bodied with silky, velvety tannins. The mid-palate reveals rich layers of oriental aromas and floral notes, culminating in a long and deep finish.
- Rated by critics as drinking wonderfully now through 2050/2060, with ample structure to continue cellaring.
- Food Pairings: Best paired with high-end red meats such as beef or venison.
Authoritative ratings
- Awarded 100 points by Robert Parker (WA), 100 points by Jeb Dunnuck, and 100 points by Decanter (perfect rating).
