Cheval Blanc sits at the far north-western corner of Saint-Émilion, close enough to the Pomerol boundary that it has always behaved like a wine from somewhere between the two. The blend gives it away: roughly half Cabernet Franc, unusual anywhere in Bordeaux, and the source of the estate's floral, spiced character. Gravel over clay, with a band of iron-rich soil, does the rest.
It was one of only two properties ranked Premier Grand Cru Classé A when Saint-Émilion first drew up its classification in 1955, and it has held the top of the appellation ever since. In 1979 it still belonged to the Fourcaud-Laussac family, who had run it since the nineteenth century.
Despite the name, this is a red wine — cheval blanc refers to the estate, not the colour. A substantial, late-ripening year on the Right Bank, in the appellation's flagship bottle.
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Producer: Château Cheval Blanc
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Vintage: 1979
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Appellation: Saint-Émilion AOC
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Format: 75cl
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Region: Bordeaux, France
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Style: Red
Where it is likely to be now. Cheval Blanc ages on a long clock and a well-cellared 1979 has a real chance of still being alive and perfumed, though at forty-seven years it is unquestionably mature.
Who it suits. For a 47th birthday or anniversary in 2026 where the budget allows the best-known estate on the Right Bank rather than a good approximation of it.
Condition. The merchant grades the bottle good, which covers label, capsule and fill together, and we run our own condition check and photograph before charging you.
Provenance. Bought to order from a professional European merchant. We check fill, label and capsule when the bottle reaches us and photograph it before it ships.
Delivered in 7 to 10 working days, tracked. Transit cover can be added at checkout.
Sold as a collectible item, as seen. No guarantee is given on drinkability.
