The defining feature of Cheval Blanc is the huge amount of Cabernet Franc that goes into the blend, not the Merlot in general... some vintages like the 2011 one have less Merlot than Cabernet Franc. Yes, it's a right bank Bordeaux, but it's by far the most atypical. Petrus for instance is one that I would call primarily a Merlot Right Bank Bordeaux.

source: https://www.chateau-cheval-blanc.com/en/vintages/chateau-che... (you can check other vintages there etc)

Ah yep, thank you for the refresher. It’s been awhile since I’ve thought about this. The point still stands!

I'm not sure it does. Merlot isn't even the primary varietal in that wine.

In the book it was Petrus which is 100% Merlot. They approached the chateau to see if they'd green light the use of Petrus as his unicorn bottle. The chateau refused, and they instead landed on Cheval Blanc.

I've always been left wondering if the "I am not drinking any fucking Merlot" line was a direct result of the snub by Petrus.

In most years it’s at least 40% of the blend. If you’re saving a wine that’s 40% Merlot and you hate Merlot, that’s on you.