Domaine de Chevalier, Grand Cru Classé Pessac Léognan, 2018

Tasting Note:

Olivier Bernard describes 2018 as an 'exceptional vintage'. We concur wholeheartedly, this is a remarkably good Domaine de Chevalier, possibly the best under Olivier's tenure. Produced from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot with a relatively low alcohol of 13.5%, this has a real sense of nobility and class. Dark fruited and mineral, yet quite open and accessible. Lovely, pure, vibrant fruit coats the palate. It feels immediate and open with plenty of fleshy, juicy mulberry and sweet loganberry character. We have been a little critical of recent primeur showings (probably unfairly), but this is Domaine de Chevalier back to its best. This is authentic, wonderfully expressive, vibrant and finely textured with a salty, black fruit, liquorice finish that gives a real sense of harmony. It is a very enjoyable and surprisingly serious effort that despite its apparent openness will reward considerable time in the cellar. Top notch DDC.