1983 Château Cheval Blanc - France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion (Tasted: 2/2/2004)
Wow! WOw! WOW! When first poured, it had a nice smooth nose of tobacco which was muted in comparison to the '85 L'Eglise Clinet. After about 45 minutes the nose, though still smooth, was super big sending out tobacco and earth plus layers of other things I could sense gently tugging at my nose. The palate was smooth on the attack, smooth and mouth-filling on the mid palate, and smooth with incredible and noticably sweet tannins on the extended and delicious finish. Everything was integrated perfectly, but the more I sniffed, and the more I tasted the more there was to find. This was great wine, not a mere collection of tannins, acid and fruit. Compared to the L'Eglise which shared the table, it was both bigger, and smoother, presenting a completely integrated whole. This is drinking superbly now, but will possibly last another 10 years. But why wait? This may be the best wine you ever have! (97 pts.)
