1983 Chateau Cheval Blanc, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, France 750ml

"A classic example of Cheval Blanc's style, the 1983 continues to put on weight and develop favorably in the bottle. A saturated dark ruby color with some faint lightening at the edges exhibits less age than most right bank 1983s. The huge nose of mint, jammy black fruits, chocolate, and coffee is sensational, as well as surprisingly well-developed. The wine offers lusty, rich, unctuous fruit presented in a medium to full-bodied, low acid, concentrated, rather hedonistic style. There are no hard edges to be found, but there is plenty of tannin in the lush finish. Gorgeous for drinking now, this is a great Cheval Blanc that should continue to drink well, and possibly improve for another 20 years. The 1983 is far superior to anything Cheval Blanc has subsequently produced. It remains somewhat undervalued for its quality." Last tasted 12/97

A giant of a wine. The complex aromas and thickly textured flavors range from plum and raisin to coffee, minerals and mint. Not so elegant as a typical Cheval; more in the mold of the powerful '47 and legendary '21. Drink or hold.--Cheval-Blanc vertical.

Tasted single blind at the Fine Wine Experience horizontal in London. A deep garnet core. A very well defined, herbaceous nose, with tobacco, chestnut, savoury fruit and a touch of dates. Quite complex and with very good vigour, the Cabernet Franc right in the (slightly bretty?) saddle. After thirty minutes, a lovely menthol character coming through. The palate is medium-bodied, very well balanced with fine tannins and superb acidity. Very well poised with great tension. Pure blackberry, raspberry, Chinese tea, tobacco and dried leaves. Lovely, elegant, very focused finish. Superb Cheval, multi-faceted if not as sophisticated as the ?85. Tasted October 2008.