He climbed the prestige ladder and, in 1878, won his first gold medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle. The excellence of Cheval Blanc wines would continue to be recognized the world over for decades to come.
In 1998, the estate was handed over to Bernard Arnault and Baron Albert Frère, both of whom breathed new life into Domaine, while respecting its history and heritage. Headed today by Pierre Lurton, the quest for perfect quality vintage after vintage remains the estate's credo. This is made possible in particular by the majestic winery inaugurated in 2011, which enables tailor-made vinifications to reveal the potential of each part of this illustrious terroir.
When the first edition of the Saint-Emilion classification was published in 1955, Château Cheval Blanc was immediately promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé "A". It retained this distinction until the 2021 vintage. At the beginning of 2022, Domaine chose to withdraw from the classification, the next edition of which was due to be made official in September of the same year. Thus, from the 2022 vintage, the label of Château Cheval Blanc will mention only the Saint-Emilion appellation Grand Cru.
Château Cheval Blanc stands on a 39-hectare vineyard planted on soils combining gravel, clay and sand. The grape varieties are 52% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are aged for 16 to 18 months in 100% new oak barrels.
The estate produces a Second wine called Petit Cheval. It has also been producing a Bordeaux white Sec Petit Cheval since 2014, from 7 hectares of Sauvignon blanc (80%) and Sémillon (20%). It's a highly complex wine in line with Cheval Blanc's DNA.
The Château Cheval Blanc offers exceptional wines, for which nothing is left to chance in their elaboration. These are wines that combine finesse of aroma, freshness and delicacy, where mastered power is matched only by the exquisite velvety sensation they provide.
