{"product_id":"chateau-cheval-blanc-aoc-saint-emilion-2023-grand-cru-classe","title":"Château Cheval Blanc 2023 AOC SAINT EMILION GRAND CRU CLASSE","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA generous vintage : a faithful reflection of its climatic conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 vintage expressed the uniqueness of each plot, shaped by its climatic conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA 2023 vintage without climatic excess\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 growing season unfolded without climatic extremes, except for August 23rd and 24th, when temperatures peaked at 40°C. Rainfall was regular throughout the year, with slightly above-average precipitation in August (65 mm), which greatly benefited the smooth progression of grape maturation. However, the rise in average temperatures confirms the established trend of climate warming observed in recent vintages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClassic phenology\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBudburst occurred in a very typical manner: late March for Merlot, early April for Cabernet Franc. A cold spell set in early April but caused no frost damage. Flowering, noted around May 28th, took place under very favorable climatic conditions, leading to relatively generous yields. Mid-véraison occurred on July 22nd for Merlot and July 29th for Cabernet Franc, and was quite uniform. The foliage, protected from mildew and excessive water stress, remained remarkable even beyond harvest, ensuring good reserve accumulation. The harvest took place from September 6th to October 3rd under particularly favorable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eManaged mildew pressure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2023 was marked by significant mildew pressure. In late June and early July, symptoms of brown rot appeared regularly on Merlot. Fortunately, the very dry July weather (25 mm of rain) slowed the disease’s development. Damage remained minimal, and the grapes were harvested at full maturity in excellent climatic conditions. Sexual confusion methods worked very effectively against grape moths, which were particularly virulent this year in certain Bordeaux sectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA generous harvest\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe number of clusters was high in 2023, as the quality of flowering promoted excellent yields. Climatic conditions resulted in classic berry weights, and thinning was relatively significant for Merlot. The extreme heat on August 23rd and 24th caused some sunburn on the west-facing side of the clusters, but this had no impact on the grapes’ aromatic expression. Alcohol levels remained moderate, and the juices exhibited remarkable balance. All three grape varieties in the vineyard performed exceptionally well. Both young and old vines took full advantage of the year’s climate. The identity of each terroir is strongly marked in this vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"With a sumptuous garnet robe, the 2023 vintage offers a powerful and beautifully complex nose. Floral notes, black fruits, cocoa, and blonde tobacco blend together with purity. The palate is refined and elegant. The frank and direct attack builds in intensity, crescendo-style. The fruit aromas are intense and perfectly highlighted by ripe, silky tannins. Balanced and fresh, the finish lingers on the palate for long minutes.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e— \u003cstrong\u003eMarie, Premium Grands Crus Oenologist – April 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dick Au Vin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53991920501082,"sku":"6","price":576.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/6304\/7348\/files\/CHATEAUCHEVALBLANC2023.jpg?v=1776090391","url":"https:\/\/dickauvin.com\/products\/chateau-cheval-blanc-aoc-saint-emilion-2023-grand-cru-classe","provider":"Dick Au Vin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}