Will Gardener 93-95+/100

Good deep, colour this is layered, subtle and focused on the nose, with bright cranberry and good minerality, the palate is very silky with good density, earthy and coffee notes. A supple wine, impressive on the finish, the tannins are quite reserved, does it have the depth of the best vintages? The layers are there but they all covered at the moment. The mid-palate is the key here, and the length, it is seamless, very good for the vintage. Drink 2020- 2040. [Will Gardener, 18/04/2013]

Antonio Galloni 97

The 2012 Cheval Blanc boasts stunning power and a vertical, imposing sense of structure that is quite rare in this vintage. Dark and almost brooding in style, the Cheval is a rare 2012 that absolutely demands cellaring. Smoke, tobacco, incense and dark spices open up with time, but the 2012 is a reticent, tannic wine that is only showing the barest hints of its ultimate potential. This is a magnificent showing and one of the clear highlights of the year. [Antonio Galloni, 01/01/2016]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2042

Vinous 90-93

(54% merlot and 46% cabernet franc): Good full ruby-red. Expressive, nuanced nose offers red cherry, strawberry, minerals and a hint of violet. Sweet and round on entry, then increasingly austere toward the back, with peppery and minty elements lifting the dark cherry and cassis flavors. I noticed some bottle variation with my samples on the day I visited this chateau, so I am describing the best of the four samples I tried. My gut feeling is that there is plenty of stuffing and pretty cabernet franc refinement here but that the wine needs to smooth out and harmonize with further elevage. [Ian D’Agata, 05/01/2013]

Wine Advocate 95+

“Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2012 Cheval Blanc reveals lovely cassis, warm black cherries and redcurrant jelly notions with underlying hints of cedar chest, garrigue, Indian spices and damp soil. Medium to full-bodied, it possesses wonderful energy and freshness on the palate with a beautifully poised ethereal nature and long mineral-tinged finish. This elegantly crafted beauty should enter its drinking window in a couple of years and cellar gracefully for another 20+ years.” [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 31/08/2018]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040

JancisRobinson.com 17.5

Tasted blind. Mid crimson with a smudgy rim. Appetising, slightly saline nose. Lots of energy here and well-managed tannins. A complete, vivid, dry (not sweet; not drying) wine with a little Cabernet influence. Ch Cheval Blanc? (JR) [31/05/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2021-2040