“This stunning Cheval Blanc [2006] may be even better than the 2005”, Robert Parker reported back in February 2009. He awarded it 95 points, commending its “sweet, sexy tannins” and “dense ruby/purple colour as well as a sweet perfume of menthol, charcoal, boysenberries, black currants, and hints of cocoa and caramel”.
The wine was released En Primeur at £4,200 per 12×75 by the international trade in 2007 but struggled to attract interest on the secondary market at this level. In December 2009 it traded for a low of £2,700 before rising and then falling again with the tide of the market until mid-2012, when trade slowed down.
Earlier this year, its older sibling – the 2005 – came under the spotlight after being upgraded from 96 to 100 points by Parker. Prices moved upwards: it last traded on the Exchange for £4,950 per 12×75 – its highest trade price since March 2012.
2015 has been less exciting for the 2006 so far: although it has seen increased activity on the Exchange, its trade price has been relatively stable at around £2,890 since the beginning of the year. However, last week it was the third most traded wine on the Exchange – and this week saw a slight uptick in prices, trading at £2,935 and then £2,972.
Still available at around two thirds of the 2005’s price, could the 2006 be Cheval Blanc’s dark horse?
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Liv-ex members can view active markets of Cheval Blanc 2006 by clicking here.
Cellar Watch users can view current and historic price information for Cheval Blanc 2006 here.
