Château Cheval Blanc
1962 is a very good vintage. It was long overshadowed by the sumptuous 1961, but its virtues have been revealed with age.
1962 is a very good vintage. It was long overshadowed by the sumptuous 1961, but its virtues have been revealed with age.
Weather conditions and vine’s growing cycle
Temperatures and rainfall
Temperatures were very close to normal throughout the growing season. Summer was dry, especially in June and August.
Water balance
This dry growing season was conducive to water stress very beneficial to ripening.
Growing season
The harvest started on the 26th of September, and lasted until mid-October (16/10). Yields were average (32 hectolitres per hectare).
Alcoholic degree: 12°.
| Begin | End | |
| 1962 harvest dates | September, 26th | October, 16th |
| Average harvest dates: 1946-2014 | September, 24th | October, 8th |
Features of the vintage
Ripening and yields
| 1962 yield (hl/ha) | Average yield: 1946 to 2014 | |
| 32.2 | 33.9 | |
Tasting
Focused on tertiary aromas like mushrooms and undergrowth, the nose is complex with notes of dry grass and straw, as well as aromas of milk and vanilla yogurt. The fruit is always present, especially the little acidulous red fruit like gooseberry.
The attack is stark and a bit weak tannic structure extends until a quite coated finish.The 1962 vintage was long overshadowed by the sumptuous 1961, but over the years it has displayed incredible elegance typical of Cheval Blanc.
The colour still appears young. The rich bouquet features attractive plum, redcurrant, and strawberry jam aromas. More than fifty years old, this wine has nevertheless stayed remarkably fresh.
Its elegant texture and rich flavours are complemented by tremendous elegance and aromatic purity. The slightly spicy aftertaste seems never-ending.
“Rediscovered” in the 1990s by the world’s leading critics, this outstanding wine now at its peak proves that certain vintages take longer to come around than was initially thought.Focused on tertiary aromas like mushrooms and undergrowth, the nose is complex with notes of dry grass and straw, as well as aromas of milk and vanilla yogurt. The fruit is always present, especially the little acidulous red fruit like gooseberry.
The attack is stark and a bit weak tannic structure extends until a quite coated finish.
The 1962 vintage was long overshadowed by the sumptuous 1961, but over the years it has displayed incredible elegance typical of Cheval Blanc.
The colour still appears young. The rich bouquet features attractive plum, redcurrant, and strawberry jam aromas. More than fifty years old, this wine has nevertheless stayed remarkably fresh.
Its elegant texture and rich flavours are complemented by tremendous elegance and aromatic purity. The slightly spicy aftertaste seems never-ending.
“Rediscovered” in the 1990s by the world’s leading critics, this outstanding wine now at its peak proves that certain vintages take longer to come around than was initially thought.