Château Cheval Blanc, Saint-émilion, Bordeaux 2015

From the record

CHÂTEAU CHEVAL BLANC, SAINT-ÉMILION, BORDEAUX 2015 is documented in the Cartelier archive as served at Protégé in Palo Alto, CA. It appears on the menu of October 31, 2021, one of 6 items served that wine. As printed, the kitchen describes it: One of one of the most prestigious wines in Bordeaux, the location of Cheval Blanc on the Pomerol border is part of the reason for the voluptuous character. Comprised of 55% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the vines average 45 years of age, with some parcels of Cabernet Franc being more than 100 years old! This is a wine for the future which will earn a legendary status as it evolves and matures. The nose explodes with plums, cherries, graphite, tobacco, and violets. This wine is sensuous, fresh and vibrant. It possesses incredible richness, while still remaining light on its feet. IDEAL DRINKING WINDOW: 2030-2040 PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS: A “Right Bank” Bordeaux-style blend which offers a softer tannin profile and richer mid-palate, this wine matches with a wide variety of meats including squab, lamb, and leaner cuts of beef. Try it with Beef Bourguignon! DECANT: 1-2 hours in advance STEMWARE: Large Bordeaux glasses, ideally Zalto Denk’Art Bordeaux or Riedel Sommeliers Bordeaux Grand Cru IDEAL SERVICE TEMPERATURE: 60°F. Every appearance below preserves the menu exactly as published — source, hash, and date — so this dish can be read as it stood on any documented evening.