Château Cheval Blanc 2001

93 / 100 Robert Parker
I was surprised by how soft, opulent, even voluptuous the 2001 Cheval Blanc performed out of bottle as this estate’s wines tend to shut down when young. Its deep ruby/purple color was accompanied by sweet aromas of cranberries, black currants, menthol, Asian spices, and underbrush. This seductive blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc reveals a lush sweetness, medium body, and ripe, well-integrated tannin. A racy effort filled with personality, it should be at its finest between 2007-2018.
Wine Advocate #153 Jun 2004

92 / 100 Wine Spectator
Dark and intense, with blackberry, plum and light vanilla aromas. Subtle and complex. Full-bodied, with plenty of berry and vanilla character and a long, silky finish. Very racy. Very refined and long. Love the caressing texture. Close to the 2000 in quality. Best after 2008.
http://www.winespectator.com/wine/detail/source/search/not..

18.5 / 20 Jancis Robinson
This looked so much older than the 2005, and it also smelt fresher than it. But very deep crimson and still blackish in the middle. Wonderful heady, complex aroma. Sweet start and utterly transparent. Lovely. Haunting. Neat tannins well melded. Beautiful for current and future drinking.
http://www.jancisrobinson.com/tastings/search?perpage=20&k..