Château Cheval Blanc
The growing season began during cool, wet weather. August and September were much better. The wine is fairly light – pleasant and aromatic for about twenty years, but without much further ageing potential.
The growing season began during cool, wet weather. August and September were much better. The wine is fairly light – pleasant and aromatic for about twenty years, but without much further ageing potential.
Weather conditions and vine’s growing cycle
Temperatures and rainfall
After a cool, wet month of June, July was relatively warm and wet. A period of Ende weather set in during the month of August. These favourable conditions continued throughout September, which was dry and exceptionally hot. October was mild and rainy.
Water balance
In order to grow well, the vine needs for water stress to set in slowly so the grapes to ripen well and become concentrated. Showers in June and July prevented any significant degree of water stress. This did eventually occur, but late in the season along with dry weather in August and September.
Growing season
Yields were medium-high. The harvest took place on the late side (2-13 October), but the grapes had suffered from poor weather conditions.
| Merlot | Cabernet franc | |||
| Begin | End | Begin | End | |
| 1987 harvest dates | October, 2nd | October, 4th | October, 7th | October, 13th |
| Average harvest dates (1986-2014) | September, 19th | September, 27th | September, 27th | October, 5th |
Features of the vintage
Ripening and yields
| 1987 yield (hl/ha) | Average yield (1946 to 2014) | |
| 34.1 | 33.9 | |
Blending
| Degree of alcohol | 12 |
|---|---|
| Total acidity (g H2 S04/L) | 3.43 |
| Volatile acidity (g H2 SO4/L) | 0.64 |
| pH | – |
| Total SO2 (mg/L) | 108 |
| Reducing sugar content (g/L) | >1.0 |
| IPT (DO280) | – |
Tasting
Light and fruity, but pleasant, 1987 Cheval Blanc is somewhat lacking in structure and is not a year for long ageing.
The wine is medium deep in colour with brown on the rim, as befits a nearly 20 year-old bottle.
The nose is very forthcoming and concentrated with attractive hints of caramel and patisserie. A suggestion of vanilla and toasty aromas reflect ageing in new oak barrels.
1987 Cheval Blanc starts off quite smooth, fresh, and balanced on the palate. It is very aromatic and charming. While faithfully reflecting the château’s terroir, it does not, however, have the structure and depth of great vintages, despite its engaging fruitiness.
Pleasantly aromatic for the first twenty years, this wine is not suited to long ageing and is now definitively past its peak. It is thus advised to drink any bottles in the near future.Light and fruity, but pleasant, 1987 Cheval Blanc is somewhat lacking in structure and is not a year for long ageing.
The wine is medium deep in colour with brown on the rim, as befits a nearly 20 year-old bottle.
The nose is very forthcoming and concentrated with attractive hints of caramel and patisserie. A suggestion of vanilla and toasty aromas reflect ageing in new oak barrels.
1987 Cheval Blanc starts off quite smooth, fresh, and balanced on the palate. It is very aromatic and charming. While faithfully reflecting the château’s terroir, it does not, however, have the structure and depth of great vintages, despite its engaging fruitiness.
Pleasantly aromatic for the first twenty years, this wine is not suited to long ageing and is now definitively past its peak. It is thus advised to drink any bottles in the near future.