The bottle of Cheval Blanc had a good cork and fill and had been
stored properly since shortly after release. It still had deep color
with only a little evidence of age around the rim. Although it has
been ready for some time, it is holding very well and perhaps has
developed a bit more complexity. It is fairly big as red Bordeaux
goes, but not a blockbuster such as the 1982. It now is very smooth
and very easy to drink, having nearly a velvet-like texture. There is
some clean earth character with plenty of dark fruit still. It is not
as concentrated or complex as in the very best years, but I have no
serious complaints about it. It perhaps goes better with many foods
than some of the blockbuster Cheval Blanc does.