Cheval Blanc is the great exception in Bordeaux. Where the rest of the Right Bank plants Merlot, this estate built its name on Cabernet Franc, grown on an odd patch of gravel and clay at the top of Saint-Émilion where the appellation touches Pomerol. The result is a wine of scent and silk rather than muscle, and it has been ranked premier grand cru classé A — for most of its history one of only two — since 1955.
In 1983 the property still belonged to the Fourcaud-Laussac family, who had owned it since the nineteenth century. The vintage on the Right Bank was ripe and forward, and Cheval Blanc made a wine that showed well early and has kept its perfume longer than most of its neighbours.
At forty-three years old this is a mature bottle of one of the half-dozen most famous wines in the world, with condition recorded as good.
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Producer: Château Cheval Blanc
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Vintage: 1983
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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 1983 is a mature wine at the far end of its life, from a property whose wines hold their perfume, but as a pre-1990 bottle it is sold as a collectible rather than with a promise of condition in the glass.
Who it suits. For the 1983 milestone that deserves the best bottle in the room — a forty-third birthday, or a retirement for someone who began their career in that year and will recognise the name instantly.
Condition. Condition is graded good, with no faults recorded against the label, capsule or level.
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.
