| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pessac-Léognan |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
A spectacular effort, especially for this challenging vintage, Olivier Bernard's 2011 Domaine de Chevalier boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of subtle charcoal, graphite, black currants and black cherries. Rich and full-bodied with a multilayered mouthfeel and a long, complex, stunning finish, this is a profound example of a 2011 from a great terroir. Consume it over the next 20 years.
The 2011 is a blend of two-thirds Cabernet and one-third Merlot but Olivier Bernard then mentioned that is includes 6% Petit Verdot. The nose is closed at first but it demonstrates fine precision with blackcurrant, boysenberry, limestone and graphite aromas, again, almost Pauillac like in profile. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins on the entry, crisp acidity: a Domaine de Chevalier struck through with a citric like freshness. A little abrupt and "spiky" on the finish perhaps, but this is a fine, masculine, classic Domaine de Chevalier for mid-term drinking. Tasted April 2012.
This is a rich wine for the vintage with mineral, raspberry and lemongrass character. Full body, chewy tannins and a long finish. Need three or four years to come together.
These aren't the flashiest of wines in their youth, even in riper vintages, but they often develop beautifully with time. This is poised and almost reticent, with refreshing acidity, fine-grained, savoury tannins and elegant cassis and graphite flavours. Less good than the château's white in 2011, but generally a good buy. 8+ years.
Elegant black berry fruits, lightly expressed concentration, lovely texture and depth, strong tannins already blending in and a long life in front of it. Drink 2016-2035.
A very good effort from this estate located in the southern sector of Pessac-Leognan, the 2011 Domaine de Chevalier is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot that achieved 13% natural alcohol. It offers medium body, attractive sweet red and black currant fruit, a round, supple texture, and hints of roasted herbs and damp earth. Drink this pretty, elegant effort during its first 10-15 years of life.
Very polished tannins to this refined and beautiful red with minerals and blackberries. Some wet earth too. Full and very integrated now.
