Possibly the finest second wine Cheval Blanc has yet produced, the 2009 Le Petit Cheval is a blend of 35% Merlot and 65% Cabernet Franc. It exhibits more caramelised notes than the grand vin along with a luscious, open-knit, subtle herbaceous component. This fleshy, sexy 2009 is ideal for drinking over the next decade. 91 points, Robert Parker (2012)

The 2009 Le Petit Cheval is the best second wine I have ever tasted from this estate… it is better than most vintages of the grand vin from the 60s and 70s. Notes of chocolate, black cherries, herbs, and spice emerge from this full-bodied, thick, juicy wine. Enjoy it over the next 10+ years. (Parker added an asterisk to this wine score to signify that it is a wine he considers has the finest potential of all the offerings he has ever tasted from this estate in nearly 32 years of barrel tasting samples in Bordeaux.) 91-93 points, Robert Parker (2010)

A blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot, the bouquet is a little more generous than in previous years, with pure blackberry, blueberry, a touch of damson and limestone. Good definition. The palate is structured on the entry, that Cabernet Franc really defining the wine, very fine tannins though and lovely balance. Very pure and linear at the moment, but it skips along towards the finish without a care in the world. 93 points, Neal Martin (2010)

Delivers plum and spices on the nose, with hints of coffee and black licorice. Full-bodied, offering a wonderful silky texture and a long, long finish. So inviting and delicious already. 90-93 points, James Suckling, Wine Spectator (2010)

The nose is fleshed out by rich black cherry, lovely and sweet. On the palate the fruit is rich, ripe with a fleshy sweetness but underneath is freshness – red cherry and raspberry that lifts the flavours and brightens the finish. Drink 2018-2035. 91-94 points, Derek Smedley, MW (2010)

The second wine of Cheval Blanc benefited from a couple of parcels of Cabernet Franc that didn't make it into the grand vin, so it's a correspondingly supple, aromatic wine. Brambly, black fruit-scented with a touch of greenness adding acidity and bite. Creamy mid-palate with well-handled oak. Well worth buying if you can't get hold of (let alone afford) Cheval Blanc. 10+ years. 93 points, Tim Atkin, MW (2010)

Full-bodied but amazingly fresh and balanced. Fragrant, focused and satisfying. Fine, filigree tannins. Drink 2015-2025. 17/20 points, James Lawther, MW, Decanter (2010)