Château Cheval Blanc | Pierre Lurton
Cheval Blanc obtained the highest possible distinction in the first classification of Saint-Émilion wines in 1954, achieving Premier Grand Cru Classé A. This exalted rank was confirmed in every following classification in each subsequent decade. Cheval Blanc became a member of the exclusive “Club des 9“, comprising the Bordeaux first-growths.
A page was turned in the autumn of 1998 when two old friends, connoisseurs, and lovers of great wine joined forces to acquire this jewel in Saint-Émilion. Bernard Arnault and Baron Albert Frère became the new owners of this famed château. They injected a new dynamic spirit, while respecting the château’s history and existing facilities. They also placed their complete trust in the winemaking team to continue their good work. Today, their never-ending quest for perfection calls for enormous attention to detail and precision winemaking that is resolutely turned towards the future.
In 2011, Christian de Portzamparc, winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, designed a cellar built as a continuation of the château. Reflecting the wishes of Baron Albert Frère and Bernard Arnault, this building is both futuristic and in keeping with the surrounding historic vineyard landscape, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pierre Lurton is the managing director of Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem.
Château Cheval Blanc | Pierre Lurton
Cheval Blanc obtained the highest possible distinction in the first classification of Saint-Émilion wines in 1954, achieving Premier Grand Cru Classé A. This exalted rank was confirmed in every following classification in each subsequent decade. Cheval Blanc became a member of the exclusive “Club des 9“, comprising the Bordeaux first-growths.
A page was turned in the autumn of 1998 when two old friends, connoisseurs, and lovers of great wine joined forces to acquire this jewel in Saint-Émilion. Bernard Arnault and Baron Albert Frère became the new owners of this famed château. They injected a new dynamic spirit, while respecting the château’s history and existing facilities. They also placed their complete trust in the winemaking team to continue their good work. Today, their never-ending quest for perfection calls for enormous attention to detail and precision winemaking that is resolutely turned towards the future.
In 2011, Christian de Portzamparc, winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, designed a cellar built as a continuation of the château. Reflecting the wishes of Baron Albert Frère and Bernard Arnault, this building is both futuristic and in keeping with the surrounding historic vineyard landscape, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pierre Lurton is the managing director of Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem.