Wine Wednesday: A Conversation with Cheval Blanc’s Arnaud de Laforcade
This week’s Wine Wednesday was a special one. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Arnaud de Laforcade, CFO and Commercial Director of Château Cheval Blanc, for a candid and insightful conversation.
We talked about what it takes to preserve the essence of a historic estate while still embracing the changes that keep it at the forefront of the wine world.
Key Highlights
Tradition and Innovation in Balance
Arnaud described Cheval Blanc’s philosophy as “dancing on two feet.” The estate must hold fast to its roots while adapting to modern tools. Authenticity is non-negotiable, but innovation is essential for staying state of the art.
The 2020 Vintage
Arnaud raised a glass of the 2020 Cheval Blanc during our chat. I pointed out why this vintage matters today: it tells the story of climate challenges and the adaptability of top producers.
Modernization at a Two-Century Estate
We went live from Cheval Blanc’s brand-new Zoom room — a first for a château that has stood for nearly 200 years. It’s a perfect example of how even the most traditional estates are embracing change.
The French Way of Talking About Wine
I couldn’t help but laugh at how poetic Arnaud sounded, even in English. His reflections reminded me why France continues to set the tone for how the world thinks about wine.
Catch the Replay
If you missed it, the full conversation is now available to listen to. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear directly from one of Bordeaux’s most respected estates.
👉 Listen to the livestream here: https://dvin.app/WWChevalBlanc
Wine Drop Alert 🍷
Club dVIN members — don’t forget to catch today’s wine drop: Château Cheval Blanc 2020, one of the most celebrated vintages in recent memory. A rare chance to taste, collect, and connect with one of Bordeaux’s true icons.
Not yet a member but want access to future drops like this?
Cheers!
Jana
dVIN Labs co-founder