Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Grand Cru Classé, 2011
If Olivier Bernard's Domaine de Chevalier Rouge has been pushed into third place by Smith Haut Lafitte and Haut Bailly in 2009 and 2010, it has turned the tables in 2011. This definitely has the edge over its rivals, with more juicy fruit and better extraction. Produced from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, notes of herbs, bramble and sweet red berries bound from the glass. There is an old fashioned classism here, but it really is so charming and one falls in love with the juicy, enticing character and the grippy tannins. Solidly made and will enthral people who like proper Claret.
critic reviews
The 2011 Domaine de Chevalier feels a little feral on the nose, perhaps with just a touch of brett? Still, attractive in its own way. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, quite fleshy and rounded, smooth in texture though it is just missing a little complexity and appellation character on the finish. Not bad, though as a big fan of this estate I might have wanted more. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.
A spectacular effort, especially for this challenging vintage, Olivier Bernards 2011 Domaine de Chevalier boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of subtle charcoal, graphite, black currants and black cherries. Rich and full-bodied with a multilayered mouthfeel and a long, complex, stunning finish, this is a profound example of a 2011 from a great terroir. Consume it over the next 20 years.