Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Grand Cru Classé,

(a blend of 55% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 5% cabernet franc; 3.55 pH; 13.5% alcohol): Deep ruby-red. Autumnal aromas of blackcurrant, faded violet and tobacco leaf are lifted by a peppery herbal quality. Juicy and light on its feet, with brisk acidity and a repeating peppery note giving precision and energy to the slightly austere flavors of dark berries, licorice, smoke and graphite. Finishes straightforward and moderately long, but with a lovely graceful quality. Clearly the product of a so-so year, this well-made wine can be enjoyed soon or held.