2020 extreme vintage: very dry summer and very hot harvest. The wines reflect these climatic conditions perfectly, with an intense, ripe nose and a powerful, dense tannic structure.
State of the vineyard
In 2020, of the 39 hectares (53 plots) of Domaine, 35.1 ha are in production (45 plots), 1.4 ha fallow (2 plots) and 2.7 ha young vines (6 plots). The vineyard is planted with 46% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Climatic conditions
January and February rather Secs and mild. March very rainy in the first decade, then surprisingly mild. April, May and June mild and very rainy.
From late June to mid-August, the weather was extremely Secs and hot, with excessive temperatures.
Of the fifteen days of harvest, 10 were recorded with maximum temperatures in excess of 30°.
2020 is one of the hottest years on record, and a largely arRosé (928 mm) vintage ahead of summer. An abnormally hot summer and Sec, resulting in a powerful, sunny vintage.
Winemaking
The main principles of vinification at Cheval Blanc are based on fresh grape ripening, pure parcel vinification, indigenous yeasts (selected from Domaine), gentle Extraction, long maceration, manual pumping-over and a single délestage during the 4-week cuvaison. Malolactic fermentation takes place in vats, followed by barrel ageing.
Château Cheval Blanc 2020 is aged for 16 months with 100% new barrels.
Tasting notes
The aromas are typical of a warm vintage. Black fruit mingles with notes of garrigue and pepper. Minty freshness holds the aromatic ensemble together. The attack is opulent and warm.
The wine's power and density are remarkable, and the mouth lingers admirably thanks to a rich, full tannin structure. The wine lengthens and tightens towards an impressive finish.
