Château Cheval Blanc 2011 [magnum]

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

An underrated vintage, the 2011 Cheval Blanc is evolving brilliantly. Wafting from the glass with aromas of smoky cassis, blackberries, loamy soil, tobacco leaf, bitter chocolate, mint and violets, it's full-bodied, velvety and multidimensional, with a layered core of fruit, rich and powdery structuring tannin and a long, resonant finish. While the 2009 and 2010 are more powerful and unctuous, readers who prize Cheval Blanc for its extraordinary complexity and unique perfume might well prefer the 2011, as it is a wine that could come from nowhere else.

James Suckling

Deep and rich with a lovely balance of ripe black berries, bitter chocolate and smoke. A ripe and generous style, the fine tannins already nicely softened. Long, supple and gentle finish that’s very appealing, but slightly simple. Drink or hold.

Tim Atkin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Gilbert & Gaillard

EN PRIMEUR - Pure nose of fresh red fruit (raspberry) with evident oak showing wonderful finesse. Full attack with refined, closely-integrated tannins and good concentration. More straightforward mid-palate and finish with good acidity. The finish is still slightly firm. A stellar wine.

Wine Enthusiast

This is an opulent, dense wine, very perfumed while also structured. It is complex, full of rich fruit that pours through the wood and dark tannin. It just hints at a more exuberant future, flavored with the ripest fruits while still keeping freshness. Drink from 2020.

Falstaff