The bottle of Cheval Blanc had a good cork and fill and had been stored properly since shortly after release. It still had deep color with only a little evidence of age around the rim. Although it has been ready for some time, it is holding very well and perhaps has developed a bit more complexity. It is fairly big as red Bordeaux goes, but not a blockbuster such as the 1982. It now is very smooth and very easy to drink, having nearly a velvet-like texture. There is some clean earth character with plenty of dark fruit still. It is not as concentrated or complex as in the very best years, but I have no serious complaints about it. It perhaps goes better with many foods than some of the blockbuster Cheval Blanc does.