| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pessac-Léognan |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
One of the fabulous sleepers of the vintage and a wine for serious Bordeaux afficionados to consider buying, the 2008 is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot that achieved 13.5% natural alcohol. Surprisingly backward for a 2008, it is medium to full-bodied with moderate tannins, lots of purity and abundant charcoal, black currant and floral notes. The sweetness of the fruit, depth of flavor and textured, lush mouthfeel in this medium to full-bodied, ageworthy 2008 are impressive. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades. I would not be surprised if it turns out to be as impressive as the 2010.
The 2008 Domaine de Chevalier is a vintage that I have tasted several times. Now at a decade old, it has retained a surprisingly deep colour. The bouquet is divine: pure blackberry and pomegranate aromas, cedar and cigar box, its floral element seeming to have receded in recent years. The palate is medium-bodied and appears to have softened since I last tasted it, the tannins now more melted (though not fully), delivering a mixture of red and black fruit tinged with burnt toast, tobacco and a touch of sous-bois and smoke towards the cohesive finish. You could begin opening bottles now although knowing the track record of this estate, I would leave them for another few years. 2018 - 2040
Very dark purple indeed. Attractive savour and life on the nose but a little bit green on the palate. Round but marked by acidity and less than opulent tannins but very polished and savoury. A bit too muscular? Fades on the finish. A little more flashy than previous vintages of Domaine de Chevalier than I remember. But it grew in the glass.
The nose is fresh fruited with an attractive vibrancy. Redcurrant and wild strawberry on the
palate are backed by black fruits blackcurrant and blackberry the ripeness of the fruit giving
more richness and weight of flavour towards the back. 2015-2025
One of the finest wines made at this estate over the last three decades, Domaine de Chevalier's 2008 (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) achieved 13% natural alcohol. It was cropped at 45 hectoliters per hectare, which is significantly lower than in most top vintages. The most noticeable thing is that consultant Stephane Derenoncourt has drastically cut back the influence of new oak, or at least its ability to intrude on the aromatics and flavors. This beautifully textured, dense purple-colored 2008 exhibits notes of graphite, spring flowers, and blue as well as red fruits in an elegant, full-bodied, flavorful, layered mouthfeel. The freshness of the vintage, combined with low yields has given this cuvee an atypical density and richness that is largely unprecedented. Production is relatively small for the size of the vineyard (about 8,000 cases). This beauty should drink well for 25+ years.
Tasted ex-château and single blind in Southwold. The Domaine de Chevalier 2008 has a very pretty bouquet with precise dark cherry, briary and vanilla-tinged fruit that is almost Margaux-like. The palate is medium-bodied with sinewy tannins. It is a little rugged and tough on the finish, which influenced my rather mean score, but it settled nicely in the glass and I am certain will be a very sound wine. Tasted January 2012.
This is a little reticent on the nose, blackberry, liquorices and a touch of tar. Nice definition but very tight. The palate is full-bodied with ripe toasty tannins, nicely balanced and very good weight. Well defined with blackberry, pain grille and a touch of liquorices (a very light touch.) Classy stuff - just a little dryness on the finish. Tasted April 2009.
