| Cheval Blanc 2002 • August 2003 | CHEVAL BLANC
1st Great Classified Growth "A"
2002 Vintage
After a mild, relatively dry spring, the month of May began promisingly until cool temperatures and heavy rain set in as from the 20th. These conditions persisted until the 10th June. The summer turned out to be just as cool, with higher than normal rainfall in August. It was not until September came that weather conditions became dry. For this reason, the picking took place from the 20th September to the 8th October, slightly later than in previous years.
The vine’s growing season was strongly affected by the adverse weather conditions of this vintage. The cool, rainy spell from the end of May to the beginning of June upset the flowering process, causing coulure and millerandage, particularly in the Merlot, which consequently yielded no more than 23 hectolitres per hectare. Despite the cool, damp weather during August, the vintage took full advantage of the drought conditions of September. Bud-break was early (24th March for the Merlot, 28th for the Cabernet Franc) and the flowering took place during the first week of June. The mid-way point of grape colour change was registered on the quite early date of 9th August for the Merlot, and the 10th for the Cabernet Franc.
In spite of the effects of coulure, the whole of the vineyard was crop-thinned, and all the bunches affected by millerandage were discarded –vineyard management techniques which remain essential in the search for perfect quality fruit in a tricky year such as this one.
The cool, damp weather slowed down the ripening of the grapes during the whole of August. However, the berries reached ripeness in fine conditions in September and registered close to normal analytical values compared with those recorded over the last 5 years. The slight withering observed in the berries at harvesting time was a sign of good concentration.
Though 2002 was the smallest crop since 1991, the vintage is nevertheless a good one in terms of quality for the Merlot, and very good for the Cabernet Franc. This rather late-ripening grape variety took full advantage of the drought conditions in September. The selection was severe : 41 % of the crop went into Cheval Blanc and 25 % into Petit Cheval.
Château Cheval Blanc tasting notes :
An intensely deep red colour, evocative of crushed blackberries. The creamy nose has hints of spice and black fruit (bilberries), with smoky, subtle vanilla notes coming through. The attack on the palate is rich and complex. Structured with richness and great fullness on the palate. Fresh fruit comes to the fore. A remarkable vintage in which its silky tannins and powerful finish stand out.
Le Petit Cheval tasting notes :
An attractive, intensely deep cherry-red colour, showing its young age. Mostly black fruit aromas with blackcurrants, blackberries and stone fruit coming through in different waves, followed by subtle oaky notes. A supple attack on the palate, with a lean, elegant structure. An air-light wine, very balanced, with a fine, tight-knit tannic structure.
| |
|
Mirrors 
Previous
page
