Château Cheval Blanc 1998 St. Emilion, 1er Grand Cru Classé (A)3 very slightly scuffed labels, slightly worn capsulesVintage from 21 September to 5 October. 32 hl/hectare made. 56% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Franc. In 2019, the aromatic impact on the nose is very present, although calmer now! Great finesse of texture, Pierre Lurton's 'pashmina tannins', with freshness of fruit and a visit to the spice bazaar. I wonder now if the 2000 has more force, but these two vintages will forever 'fight it out', in the most noble way of course. Serena Sutcliffe, MW WA 96+6 bts (sc)Estimates are per lot