Today is #CabernetFranc day I found out from my friend Lauren Walsh of The Swirling Dervish.  Let’s be clear, I am not drinking Cheval Blanc as I write this post but remember a small and exquisite taste I had of it at the New York Wine Experience held by the Wine Spectator this past October. This was my second time at this event and my second time tasting Cheval Blanc. I must say, just as it did the first year, it blew me away this year. It was everything you want in a wine and I mean everything – finesse,  complexity, an exquisite bouquet, an enveloping mouthfeel, elegance, power and layers of nuanced and sensual flavors with a long beautiful finish. Of course we are talking about Cheval Blanc so expectations were high and they were met in abundance. The winery was founded in 1832. Since 1998, the winery has been owned by Bernard Arnault and Barn Albert Frère. While the wine is a Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend, I always think of the Cabernet Franc part of St. Emilion as giving it it’s own identity. Their website notes that the 2011 was a good year with dry weather and produced a classic vintage that “reflects the estate’s winemaking philosophy​.” The vintage is 52% Cabernet Franc, 47% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Here is wonderful video in French by the technical director. Each plot has been harvested and fermented separately and then blended. Santé!