Hailing from Saint-Emilion, a commune in France, the Cheval Blanc 1947 is known as one the most iconic vintages to have ever existed. This wine has stood the test of time in spite of breaking all the rules of winemaking. It is excessive on every front, with 15% alcohol content and 3.5 grams of residual sugar per litre. Its production was untamed in quantity as well – yields were 75 hectolitres per hectare. At present, there are only 16 verified bottles at the Chateau Nenin.
After World War II, wines were hard to produce, as oak barrels were difficult to come by. The Cheval Blanc would have been aged in pre-war barrels, which were likely worn out and repaired by the makers. Many of the grapes had shrivelled in the heat by the time it reached the cellar. So, the Cheval Blanc’s astounding quality is indeed a miracle. It is extremely thick in texture, almost like oil. It has an atypical flavour profile, with a nose of fruitcake, chocolate, leather, coffee and spices.
This wine was owned by the Jacques Fourcaud-Loussac family, who had lived on the property since the 19th century. In 1988, Bernard Arnault, CEO of luxury goods group LVMH, and Belgian tycoon Baron Albert Frère acquired the property and the wines. The Cheval Blanc 1947 is valued at $304,375.
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