Château Cheval Blanc is one of Bordeaux’s most iconic estates, known for elegant, floral, and age-worthy wines with a higher Cabernet Franc proportion than typical Saint-Émilion. The 2006 vintage (a solid but sometimes overlooked year after the stellar 2005) is a medium- to full-bodied red with a dense ruby/purple hue. Aromas feature prominent floral notes (violets, crushed rose, potpourri), black/red fruits (black cherry, boysenberry, black currant, raspberry), licorice, spice, menthol/charcoal, cigar box, cocoa, forest floor, and earthy/mineral undertones. On the palate: lush yet structured texture, fine to chewy tannins, vibrant acidity, opulent purity, savory depth, and a long, precise, mineral-driven finish. It balances richness with finesse and has developed secondary notes like tobacco, dark chocolate, mocha, and truffle over time. Often described as refined, backward when young, and a “sleeper” of the vintage with great harmony.

Food pairings:

• Classic Bordeaux pairings work well: roasted or grilled red meats (lamb, beef, venison), game, duck, aged cheeses, mushroom dishes, or truffle-based cuisine. Its structure, acidity, and floral/spicy notes also complement herb-crusted meats, poultry with earthy sauces, or refined French/continental fare. Avoid overly delicate or citrus-heavy dishes.

Critics’ reviews/scores (approximate; scores vary by tasting date):

• Robert Parker/Wine Advocate: 95 points (lush, opulent, may rival or exceed 2005; drink 2012–2030+)

• Neal Martin: 97 points (floral, precise, structured, top Saint-Émilion).

• James Suckling/Wine Spectator: 95 points (milk chocolate, cedar, berry, cappuccino; full-bodied, chewy tannins, structured).

• Decanter: ~92 points.

• Other notes: Often 92–97 range across critics; praised for elegance, floral complexity from Cabernet Franc, and aging potential. Recent tastings (2024–2025) note spicy complexity, refinement, but some variability in vibrancy.

Drink window:

• Now at or near peak maturity (many sources suggest 2015/2019–2030/2035+ depending on storage). It has softened and developed secondary/tertiary aromas while retaining structure and freshness; drink over the next 5–15+ years for most bottles. Well-stored examples can hold longer.