Thinking back on the wonderful wines I got to taste in 2017, many of them were concentrated in one evening – The New York Wine Experience held by the Wine Spectator. I had never been and had no idea what to expect. I was overwhelmed by the number and quality of amazing wines that were available. One of the most memorable was this Cheval Blanc 2006. It really was a perfect, complete wine. I kept going back and bringing friends samples as well. They teased me thinking it was really all for me. Only 5,400 cases of this wine are made and the price is $810. It had everything, fruit, spice, length, balance, pesrsistence, structure, tannins and a great mouthfeel. It was extremely layered, nuanced and elegant. I could drink a case of that to quote Joni Mitchell.

Cheval Blanc was founded in 1832. Since 1998, it has been owned by Bernard Arnault and Baron Albert Frère. Pierre Lurton is the winemaker/manager. Cheval Blanc is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Here are some good notes on the winery from Berry Bros and Rudd.  Here is a piece on the winery by Vinous, worth a close read. I wish I had done a vertical tasting but alas alak, it was just a small sample but enough to know one of my major future wine goals.

Santé!