1982 Cheval Blanc
By Chateau Cheval Blanc
1982 Cheval Blanc from Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
The enigmatic 1982 Cheval Blanc heralds from an era in Bordeaux that is often enshrined as a modern-day benchmark for excellence – a year that Chateau Cheval Blanc captured with extraordinary flair. When reminiscing on the great vintages, the illustrious '82 stands shoulder to shoulder with the ages, asserting its stature through a symphony of climatic benevolence and vinicultural prowess.
A Vintage Encapsulating Elegance
The growing season of 1982 provided the perfect canvas for Chateau Cheval Blanc to craft a masterpiece. Blessed with ample sunshine and optimal rainfall, the vines yielded fruit of impeccable balance - a crucial precursor to a wine destined for longevity and grace. The result was an orchestration of Merlot and Cabernet Franc that sang in harmonious union, delivering a sensory escapade of rich fruit and silk-tasselled tannins.
The Patina of Time: 1982 Cheval Blanc's Evolution
Let us delve into the bottle to unfurl the tapestry woven by time. The 1982 Cheval Blanc's aromatic profile has evolved nobly, with tertiary notes such as truffle, cigar box, and forest floor elegantly emerging to accompany the initial blackcurrant, raspberry and cherry blossom freshness. Its palate preserves a marvelous vivacity that propels the wine into an elongated finish — still fresh yet complex and ethereal.
The hallmark of this wine is its refined structure, melding power with poise in a way that only Chateau Cheval Blanc can manifest. Integrating investment wisdom and enological pleasure, collectors attest to this offering's finesse as it continues to enchant across decades.
Decanting Investment Potential with Tasteful Sophistication
In the tapestry of investment-grade wines, the 1982 Cheval Blanc radiates through its provenance and performance on both physical and financial palates. I encourage fine wine investors to behold this vintage as more than an asset; it is a triumph of Saint-Émilion’s terroir sealed within a liquid tableau. Revealing layers that speak of its celebrated past while promising continued reverence with age, this vintage encapsulates not just an oenophile’s aspiration but also embodies a judicious portfolio enhancement.
Current market price
$20,650.00
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
729.41
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted at the 1982 dinner at The Square, this bottle is far superior to the one tasted two years ago. It has a kaleidoscopic bouquet with dark plum, iodine, minerals and a touch of kirsch that develops with aeration, a perfect symmetry between Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The palate has sweet, sappy entry with crisp acidity and just a touch of volatility that soon dissipates with aeration. The Cabernet Franc begins to exert its influence with time and it has a svelte, very harmonious, youthful finish that one step further would be almost viscous in texture. Whilst I think there remains significant bottle variation, there is not doubt that this is the real deal. Tasted April 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2012
I have tasted this wine at least four or five times in the last two months and it is clearly classic. Some can be a little austere and thin though. This bottle was gorgeous with such pure and bright fruit. It showed aromas of dried cherries and mushrooms that turn to sliced ripe plums. It's full with round and ripe tannins, and a long, long finish.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, March 27th 2012
During its first 10-12 years of life, this was a perfect wine, but it now seems to be in a stage where the fruit is still present, but the previous exuberance and intensity have faded slightly. There is plenty of amber at the edge, and this medium to full-bodied wine shows notes of menthol, cedar, spice box, plums, and black cherries. Owners of 750 ml bottles should plan on consuming it over the next 4-6 years. Magnums should be less evolved, and merit a score 4 to 6 points higher.Release price: ($300.00/case)
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2009