2003 Cheval Blanc
By Chateau Cheval Blanc
2003 Cheval Blanc from Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
Embarking on a tasting journey with the 2003 Cheval Blanc from Chateau Cheval Blanc is to explore a chapter where Mother Nature etched her mark with a firm yet enchanting hand. The vintage emerged from a year characterised by climatic contrasts, offering wine connoisseurs a testament to the resilience and adaptability of this legendary estate.
An Emblematic Vintage Graced by Extremes
The extreme heat of that particular summer presented challenges to vineyards across France, yet the venerable soils of Saint-Émilion witnessed an impressive performance from their vines. The 2003 Cheval Blanc stands as a paragon, navigating the singularity of the season with poise and dignity. Its composition—a deft blend principally of Merlot with Cabernet Franc—captures the essence of how thoughtful viticulture can triumph even in the most demanding years.
A Profound Expression with Unmistakable Panache
The profile of this wine communicates depth and concentration with an aromatic canvas splashed with ripe fruits, tendrils of tobacco, and a whisper of truffle undertones. Its palate reveals layer upon sumptuous layer; blackcurrants, plums, and a hint of espresso dance with terracotta minerals and refined tannins that speak to superb ageing potential.
Winemaking expertise shines through in how the 2003 Cheval Blanc balances opulent flavours with structured elegance—a hallmark favourable for wine investment opportunities and the discerning collector seeking gems for long-term cellaring.
Distinguished Pedigree Meets Investable Quality
In the matrix of fine wine investment, revered vintages such as the 2003 Cheval Blanc from Chateau Cheval Blanc are sought-after assets. A confluence of singular terroir and the year's atypical weather has yielded a compelling narrative encapsulated in each bottle—an enticing proposition for both palate and portfolio.
As one ventures to invest, indulge, or collect, this vintage stands as a beacon illustrating the profound capabilities of Bordeaux's right bank, where mercurial climates embolden rather than diminish the craft of exceptional viniculture.
Current market price
$6,290.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
236.25
Scores and tasting notes
This is very fresh and clean. Full bodied and juicy, with loads of fruit starting with strawberry jam and ending with baskets of fresh fruits. This is exotic and crisp, a truly fabulous 2003 with incredible finesse. Pull the cork on this one after 2014. Find the wine
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, March 15th 2011
Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s “10-Year On” tasting in London. The Cheval Blanc 2003 has an attractive bouquet with expressive Cabernet Franc – cooked meat, undergrowth, mint and cloves. It offers clarity if not the sophistication of a top Cheval Blanc. The palate is medium-bodied with an understated, supple entry of raspberry, dried herbs, cedar and graphite – indeed, quite Left Bank in style for Cheval. It is nicely composed, refined with a sedate low acid finish that fans out nicely. Fine. Tasted March 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
The 2003 Cheval Blanc, a blend of 56% Cabernet Franc and 44% Merlot, reveals an exquisite bouquet of mulberries, forest floor, new saddle leather, spice box and spring flowers. The first-growth quality aromatics are followed by a complex medium-bodied wine with more density than anticipated. The wine seems fully mature although there is an unexpected freshness and underlying depth of fruit. This beauty should continue to drink well for another 7-8 years. One of the principal theories of the bizarre, historically hot and dry summer of 2003 is that grapes planted in gravelly and sandy soils were the least successful. If that was true 100% of the time, Cheval Blanc would have made a horrible wine. In fact, both the grand vin and second wine at Cheval Blanc did well in this vintage. It was the earliest harvest in over 110 years at this estate, and the resulting wine is a beauty.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 27 August 2014
The 2003 Cheval Blanc, a tiny production of 5,000 cases, was bottled early to protect its delicate style. It is a light to medium-bodied, superficial, but seductive effort offering notes of cherries, herbs, smoke, and new oak. It possesses moderate depth as well as exceptional elegance and finesse. I suspect enough of its noble terroir comes through to please this estate’s fans. Obviously, the vintage’s severe heat and drought did not benefit Cheval Blanc’s lighter, gravelly soils. This fragrant 2003 is best consumed over the next 12-14 years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #164 April 2006