Ratings & Tasting Notes:
93 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
An underrated vintage for this estate that has aged with grace, the 1978 Cheval Blanc exhibits a deep bouquet of vine smoke, dark berries, incense, black truffle, loamy soil, mint and wilted rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and lively, it’s an elegant, seamless middleweight framed by largely melted tannins. WK (8/2022)
93 points Int’l Wine Cellar
Bright red. The captivating nose of red berries, minerals and grilled nuts is complicated by a delicate leafiness and a spicy tobacco note. Then sweet, bright and focused in the mouth, with flavors of red berries, tobacco, cedar and underbrush. Finishes very long and spicy, with a slight tannic kick at the back, but still manages to come across as refined and suave. This Cheval Blanc has always exhibited (especially in its youth), a firmer, more austere personality than most vintage. The 1978 growing season was characterized by slightly lower-than-average temperatures in the summer and fall. It was dry right through the very late harvest, which took place between October 9 and 18. There was a late start to the growth cycle and lots of mildew in the spring. This was one of the best bottles of 1978 Cheval Blanc I have ever tried. (ID) (10/2011)
19/20 points Jancis Robinson
This bottle was also showing beautifully. It seemed so sweet and lush at first even if after a while the fruit started to fade a little. Wonderful jewel freshness. Reverberant on the palate. This really showed that in 1978 if the grapes were grown on a great terroir then there was enough stuffing, even if everyone had to wait so long for them to ripen. 19/20 points (JR) (7/2010)
Bottle Size:
750 mL
Storage History:
Properly stored in a climate controlled cellar since release.
Condition:
Some moderate capsule corrosion as shown. Excellent fill level. Overall excellent condition.
Please note: The bottle shown is is the exact item being sold. Photographs have been taken from different angles in order to exhibit the exact item condition.
