| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pessac-Léognan |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This much respected property in Pessac-Léognan is run with great care by Olivier Bernard whose family took it over from Claude Ricard in 1983. During the 1980s and 1990s there was a major programme of replanting here and it is only since the early 2000's, with the vines reaching maturity, that the quality here has returned to that of the great vintages of the 1960s and before. Without doubt, the best vintages of Chevalier are the most recent ones. Domaine de Chevalier performs brilliantly every year now and is a regular star of our blind tastings. It wins its flight at the blind "Southwold" tasting with impressive regularity. However, prices have remained reasonable. This is always one of our best-selling wines en primeur.
The 2017 Domaine de Chevalier has a deep garnet-purple color. It rolls out of the glass with open-knit notes of fresh blackcurrants, blackberry preserves, and black raspberries, with hints of anise, forest floor, and menthol. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegant and refreshing, featuring lightly chewy tannins and an earthy finish.
The 2017 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge was cropped at 34hl/ha between 11 and 29 September and is matured in 35% new oak for 18 months. It has a vivacious bouquet with quite generous black fruit, raspberry, brine and black olive that is well-defined and focused, if not possessing the complexity of the previous two vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, slightly edgy tannin – layers of black fruit interlaced with melted tar and graphite, closing in a little towards the finish with a gentle grip. I appreciate the deft manner in which this fans out and leaves a mineral residue on the finish. A Domaine de Chevalier of refinement rather than power, one with “buvabilité” or “drinkability”. Drink 2021 - 2045.
Tasted blind. Deep ruby colour. Bursting with red cherry and hints of violet on the nose, there is intrigue and joy here. The palate shows much flesh and vibrancy, with plump red berries at the core. The acid is positively zesty yet lifts the fruit into floral tones rather than washing away the flavour. Fleet-footed and long on the finish. A wine that transparently exhibits the better elements of this vintage.
Drink 2024 – 2037
This is really delicious and round with soft and ripe tannins. Full body and juicy fruit. Shows ripeness and balance. A pretty wine to watch for the future.
Deep crimson. A little leafy, fragrant in a herbaceous style. Firm and chewy. Tongue-tied at the moment but there's finesse in the dark, dusty fruit and tender graphite notes. Smooth and polished yet compact tannins. Savoury, dry, subtle aftertaste.
Drink 2024-2037
35% of the Estate was hit by frost in 2017 so production will be around 100,000 bottles instead of 170,000 last year. The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Exotic and opulent on the nose thanks to well-judged use of new oak, though there is a light earthiness underneath. The palate reveals juicy cherries and blackcurrant and polished, refined tannins that complement the notes of cedar and tobacco. The fruit is lifted by fresh acidity, offering both red and black cherries through on a lingering finish that is sweet with vanilla and toasty with oak.
The nose has fragrance woodland violets the palate rich fruit depth breadth of flavour in the middle. Fine firm but ripe tannins underpin sweet black fruits show at the back power and depth the finish though lighter with fragrance, freshness and length. Drink 2024 - 2038.
There is a touch of greenness on the nose which remains a faint annoyance on the palate, but apart from that the fruit is succulent and smooth and there is enough juiciness to romance the taste buds. The oak is a little incongruous at the moment, but this will mellow.
The 2017 Domaine de Chevalier is deep garnet-purple in color with a nose of baked plums, black cherry compote, fruitcake and violets plus wafts of fragrant earth and rosehip tea. Medium-bodied, the palate has loads of fruit with plush, rounded tannins and a lively finish. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, this vintage spent 18 months in French oak, 35% new. 2022-2039.
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Domaine de Chevalier opens with a cedary waft giving way to a good core of crushed black currants, blackberries and mulberries with suggestions of black truffles, tilled soil and black olives plus a hint of smoked meats. Medium-bodied with a good, solid frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins and oodles of freshness, it is elegantly fruited yet well sustained on the mid-palate and long finish.
