As we have previously noted on this blog, high-release prices have tended to put buyers off LVMH-owned Cheval Blanc, despite it being the Right Bank’s equivalent of a First Growth. But for fans of the wine, the subsequent price drops would seem to offer an opportunity, as shown in our Cheval Blanc chart in February’s Cellar Watch Market Report (subscribers only).
This month, trade has been heavy for Cheval Blanc 2009 and 2010. With market prices of £6,950 and £7,500 per 12×75 respectively they are two of its most expensive recent vintages – but also two of the highest scoring, with 99 and 100 points from Robert Parker. Moreover, they have dropped 10% (2009) and 18% (2010) in price since release. Trade for the two in February has catapulted Cheval Blanc’s share of Bordeaux trade to 11%; around four times its typical monthly average, as shown below.
In terms of score, only two Cheval vintages have rivalled the 2009 and 2010. One is the legendary 100-point 1947, considered by Parker to be ‘the crown jewel in any millionaire collector's cellar’ (if you were lucky enough to locate a genuine 12×75 in its original wooden case it could set you back up to £100,000). The other is the 99-point 2000 – which has a market price of less than £6,000.
