Château Cheval Blanc
1988 was a cool and dry year.
The first vintage of Château Cheval Blanc’s second wine was a wonderful beginning. 1988 Petit Cheval has its own identity, and its quality and ageing potential are obvious.
1988 was a cool and dry year.
The first vintage of Château Cheval Blanc’s second wine was a wonderful beginning. 1988 Petit Cheval has its own identity, and its quality and ageing potential are obvious.
Weather conditions and vine’s growing cycle
Temperatures and rainfall
The temperatures were close to average from April to the end of September, except for the cool month of July. The thermometer went over 33.5°C for three of the first ten days of September. However, it was rather cool at the end of the ripening period. The beginning of the growth cycle was wet, but a very dry spell set in starting in late June. There were just 90 mm. of precipitation from July to September.
Water balance
A slight degree of water stress appeared starting in late June. This water deficit, accentuated in July, August, and September due to limited rainfall, was unquestionably beneficial to the vines.
Growing season
After a cool, wet spring, the growing season was off to a somewhat late start in 1988. Flowering took place around the 10th of June and véraison occurred on about the 20th of August. Although there was a threat of mildew at the beginning of the growth cycle, this was completely thwarted by the return of fine weather after flowering. The weather was beautiful during the harvest, which lasted from the 1st to the 10th of October.
| Merlot | Cabernet franc | |||
| Begin | End | Begin | End | |
| 1988 harvest dates | October, 1st | October, 4th | October, 4th | October, 10th |
| Average harvest dates (1986-2014) | September, 19th | September, 27th | September, 27th | October, 5th |
Features of the vintage
Ripening and yields
The relatively cool, but very dry conditions during ripening were ideal for locking in rich aromas. The grapes were ripe, but not at all overripe, and displayed a great balance between sugar and acidity. Yields were fairly high: 40 hectolitres per hectare 1988 Cheval Blanc is a great Bordeaux: very classic and with great ageing potential.
| 1988 yield (hl/ha) | Average yield: 1946 to 2014 | |
| 40.8 | 33.9 | |
Blending
| Degree of alcohol | 13 |
|---|---|
| Total acidity (g H2 S04/L) | 3.33 |
| Volatile acidity (g H2 SO4/L) | 0.6 |
| pH | – |
| Total SO2 (mg/L) | 132 |
| Reducing sugar content (g/L) | 1.2 |
| IPT (DO280) | – |
Tasting
The first vintage of Château Cheval Blanc’s second wine was a wonderful beginning. 1988 Petit Cheval has its own identity, and its quality and ageing potential are obvious.
Fortunately, the very first cuvée of Petit Cheval 1988 is a great success.
It has a carmine colour with brick-red highlights.
The nose is quite developed: elegant and complex, with hints of cinnamon, cocoa, forest floor, cedar, and ink.
The wine starts out straightforward and smooth on the palate, with considerable freshness. The structure is rather light, with soft tannin.
This first vintage of Petit Cheval augers extremely well for Cheval Blanc’s second wine. It lays claim to its own identity, with aromas and flavours that set it apart from the grand vin. It is delicious to drink now, and is at its peak.The first vintage of Château Cheval Blanc’s second wine was a wonderful beginning. 1988 Petit Cheval has its own identity, and its quality and ageing potential are obvious.
Fortunately, the very first cuvée of Petit Cheval 1988 is a great success.
It has a carmine colour with brick-red highlights.
The nose is quite developed: elegant and complex, with hints of cinnamon, cocoa, forest floor, cedar, and ink.
The wine starts out straightforward and smooth on the palate, with considerable freshness. The structure is rather light, with soft tannin.
This first vintage of Petit Cheval augers extremely well for Cheval Blanc’s second wine. It lays claim to its own identity, with aromas and flavours that set it apart from the grand vin. It is delicious to drink now, and is at its peak.