Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Grand Cru Classé, 2017
Olivier Bernard's Domaine de Chevalier is always one of the elite wines in Pessac Leognan. The spring frosts were quite uneven here, sparing the large plateau in front of the chateau, but decimating many other plots. Thankfully, the plateau had a successful and early crop with good yields. Rich, but also bright and juicy with notes of fruit pastilles, ripe plum, a hint of gravel, stones, cooked meats, smoke and spice. This is rather lovely, it isn't especially challenging, but it is generous, fleshy, and quite persistent, framed with perfectly ripe tannins. Produced from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot.
critic reviews
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 was impressive from barrel. Bottled since June 2019, it has clearly retained that gorgeous nose with delineated scents of blackberry, black olive, shucked oyster shells and orange rind. Wonderful vigour here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, lithe and very focused. It is not a powerful nor indeed a long-term Domaine de Chevalier, ergo my lower score than 2016. Bottom line is that it is just a delicious wine to consume. Still, it will offer 20 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted twice with consistent notes.