A Rare Château Cheval Blanc Showcase in New Delhi

In an unforgettable evening of vinous splendour, Bordeaux icon Château Cheval Blanc enchanted New Delhi with an exclusive tasting at Le Cirque, The Leela Palace, celebrating the timeless elegance and seductive allure of its world-renowned portfolio. Held on Wednesday, the event gathered leading wine professionals, media, and devoted connoisseurs for an immersive journey into the soul of one of Saint-Émilion’s most revered estates.

Against a backdrop of refined sophistication, guests explored a curated line-up that included the luminous Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2023, the singular Cheval des Andes 2022, and a vertical selection of Château Cheval Blanc’s legendary vintages from 2016, 2009, and 2006 — each a testament to terroir, heritage, and craftsmanship.

Château Cheval Blanc, a Premier Grand Cru Classé (A) estate jointly owned by Bernard Arnault’s LVMH luxury group and the Belgian Frère family, has been synonymous with grace and finesse since its establishment in 1832. Its wines are celebrated not only for their power and structure but for their poetic reflection of Saint-Émilion’s unique soils and microclimates.

The tasting was masterfully curated by Carole André, Maître de Chai at Château Cheval Blanc, and organized by Sanjay Menon, Founder of Sonarys - a distinguished fine wine company. Throughout the evening, André shared enriching insights into the estate’s philosophy and meticulous approach to viticulture and vinification. Mathieu Jullien, Director General of LVMH Vins d’Exception was one of the attendees. Gaurav Sahni  of Sonarys managed the event with perfection.

Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2023

A radiant expression of Château Cheval Blanc’s white wine programme, Le Petit Cheval Blanc captures the essence of its terroir with beguiling precision. Born of a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, this wine reveals a charm that is at once vibrant and refined ,  fragrant with citrus blossom, white flowers, and delicately intertwined mineral notes , leading to a palate that is supple, elegantly balanced, and imbued with lingering freshness. Its character is both gracious and approachable, making it a captivating introduction to the Cheval Blanc style in white.

Cheval des Andes 2022

From the sun-kissed heights of Argentina’s Mendoza region, Cheval des Andes is the embodiment of cross-continental collaboration — the refined sensibilities of Bordeaux meeting the dramatic terroir of the Andes. The 2022 vintage, marked by slow ripening and meticulous craftsmanship, offers a tapestry of deep, ripe fruit layered with bay leaf and mint, pursued by graceful tannins and a palate that unites power with finesse. It is a wine of complex structure and vibrant energy, long on flavour and elegant in its expression.

Château Cheval Blanc Vertical - 2016, 2009, 2006

The vertical selection of Château Cheval Blanc’s mature vintages evoked the estate’s enduring magic through time. Each vintage — from the poised depth of 2016 to the expressive richness of 2009 and the nuanced maturity of 2006 - showcased the château’s signature balance of aromatic complexity, texture, and architectural precision. These bottles, steeped in history and narrative, revealed the eloquence of terroir and the silent evolution that only time can bestow upon a Grande Vin.

Though globally renowned for its Cabernet Franc-dominated reds, Château Cheval Blanc’s commitment to expanding its repertoire,  including its increasingly sought-after white expression,  underscores a modern vision rooted in excellence across styles. The evening reaffirmed the estate’s place not just in Bordeaux’s storied tradition but in the hearts of wine lovers who celebrate emotion, elegance, and enduring artistry in every glass.