1982 Chateau Cheval Blanc

This wine has proven to be one of Bordeaux's modern day legends. Absolutely spectacular for its first 7-8 years after bottling, the wine has gradually begun to reveal more delineation, structure, and tannin. In 1995, the wine appears even younger than it did 5-6 years ago! It exhibits a thick, opaque garnet color with light amber at the edge. The nose, which was ostentatious earlier in its life, still offers up significant amounts of roasted fruit, coffee, melted chocolate, and decadently rich, sweet black fruits. This is an exotic full-bodied, moderately tannic, massive example of Cheval Blanc noted for its sheer opulence and intensity. However, I find the wine more structured and delineated today than it was a half dozen years ago. It appears ready for a long evolution. I originally felt that the wine would be fully mature by 1993, but it now appears to require another 4-5 years to hit its plateau of maturity, where it should remain for 20+ years . The only question millionaire collectors should ask about the 1982, is whether the 1990 will rival it? Both are awesome wines!Robert Parker's Rating – 99-100 points.