Mission Codename ‘Petit’ greatness
Cheval Blanc needs no introduction. As part of Bordeaux’s ultra-elite ‘Group of Nine’ – alongside the First Growths, Saint-Émilion’s finest, and the untouchable Petrus – any vintage is mythic.
But what if you could taste the legend… at a fraction of the cost?
As Antonio Galloni’s Vinous puts it: “Château Cheval Blanc is quite simply one of the most famous wines in the world, the object of desire of collectors, wine lovers and investors everywhere… It may be argued that Cheval Blanc is many different things to many different people: a huge status symbol, the source of the world’s single greatest red wine ever made (many experts consider the Cheval Blanc 1947 to be just that), a movie star (remember Sideways?), or a beautiful property with a very pretty name. Above all, it’s just a great wine…”
That’s all well and good, except for one problem: the Grand Vin can fetch *over $1000 a bottle.
But insiders know the real secret: Petit Cheval*.
Same estate. Same fanatical detail. And, in 2012, Vinous awarded it 94 points – higher than any other second wine from a first growth. “…Petit Cheval is better than the Grand Vin at many other properties.” Or, as the Wine Advocate put it, “Under blind conditions, I was not the only one to give this one of my most positive comments against the ‘big boys.’ Not to be underestimated.”
And if you’re wondering just how close this gets to greatness… in the same Vinous report, 2012 Petrus scored a mere hairsbreadth above, 94+. At $6,500 a bottle!
To say that over-preforms is a massive understatement. If you have always wondered, but never had anything from Cheval Blanc, this is your chance.
We were only able to secure 6 cases… this mission won’t last!
94 Points – Vinous “The 2012 Petit Cheval is striking for many reasons, not the least of which is a very high percentage of Cabernet Franc that gives the wine much of its aromatic presence and overall depth. Deceptively medium-bodied in structure, the 2012 possesses remarkable balance and harmony. There is little question the 2012 Petit Cheval is better than the Grand Vin at many other properties. Rose petal, lavender, violet and mint notes leave a lasting impression on the finish. Drink 2016 – 2027.”
What the Winery Says
2012 'Le Petit Cheval' St.-Émilion Grand Cru


- Winemaker
- Pierre Lurton
- Varietals
- 75% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot
- Vintage
- 2012
- Alcohol
- 13.5 %
- Appellation
- St.-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé (A), Libourne
- Yield
- 27 hL/ha
- TA
- 3.05 g/L
- pH
- 3.7
- Aging
- 13 months
- Barrels
- 50% new French oak
About the Winery
Château Cheval Blanc





