Domaine de Chevalier 2007

One of the vintage's top successes, this blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot exhibits a juicy, black currant, forest floor, and soil-scented nose. Layered with brilliant precision, purity, and density, it is a medium to full-bodied, elegant, intensely flavored, soft, upfront blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It should drink well for 10-15 years. Drink 2010-2025.

The 2007 Domaine de Chevalier was tasted from two bottles. I returned the first as it felt a little volatile on the nose, but the second was as it should be. This has a very refined bouquet with scents of warm gravel and black olives permeating the dark berry fruit, all very well defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, very fresh and generous in the mouth with superb mineralité and tension towards the tertiary finish. What a lovely Domaine de Chevalier—à point—but with the substance to suggest that it will not go downhill in any hurry. Tasted February 2017.
Drink Date 2017 - 2035

Good concentration of blackberry and raspberry fruit. Medium-to-full body, velvety tannins and a medium finish. Very close to the 2006 in quality.

Light and very slightly raw fruit nose. Solid and chunky. No tricks. Bone dry. Savoury. Confident. Very straightforward even if not voluptuous. Not that much weight but good balance. Nice long finish. All on the finish which is certainly a good sign. Drink 2012-17

Good red-ruby. Smoky aromas of currant, black cherry, graphite, mocha and warm stones, lifted by flint and pepper nuances. A smooth, fine-grained midweight given lift and shape by pepper and spices. At once supple and bright, finishing with very good aromatic persistence and thrust. Manager Remi Edange noted that the IPT of 76 is the highest ever measured here, but the wine did not come across as overly tannic or tough.

The nose is firm but behind this structure is lovely ripe black fruit. Cassis is very much in evidence, the palate given richness by dark chocolate. The tannins are firm but feel ripe so adding to the suppleness that is apparent towards the finish. 2012-2018.

Deep, ruby colour. Nose lightly floral, not pronounced. Mid-weight, structured but not overly so. Nice acidity. Good. Everything in place. Not outstanding, but very pleasant. Classical style. Drink 2014-20. 4 stars.