"There’s depth of fruit, good structure and freshness in this black-cherry and chocolate-scented wine. It’s full-bodied, yet it tightens up on the finish. Toned, muscular and crisp. 10% of the production of Cheval. 50% merlot and 50% cabernet franc."
94-95 points. James Suckling, jamessuckling.com (April 2024)

"50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Franc. 15% of the harvest. From 5 parcels out of the 46 currently in production. Cask sample. Leafy and floral, the Cabernet Franc notable. Very smooth with fine, filigree tannins for medium-term ageing. Lots of freshness, so appetising."
16.5 points, James Lawther, jancisrobinson.com (April 2024)

"There are only 15,000 bottles of the 2023 Le Petit Cheval, a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc that didn't have quite the plenitude of the grand vin. Offering up an attractive bouquet of minty berries, cherries, plums and petals, it's medium-bodied, pillowy and vibrant, with polished tannins and a bright core of fruit. I suspect that a bit of patience will be rewarded by more fat and texture."
89-91 points, William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (April 2024)