Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Grand Cru Classé, 2015
If you thought we've been a bit disparaging about the Pessac Leognan appellation, this should balance things out a bit. In addition to the wonderful range at Haut Brion, Domaine de Chevalier, Smith Haut Lafitte and Haut Bailly have also got it spot on. Olivier Bernard has transformed Domaine de Chevalier during his tenure. In the early days, an ambitious re-planting program was undertaken, which took many years before the fruits of his labours could be enjoyed. Now the estate is in superb heath and it seems that Olivier can turn out a great red and white vintage after vintage. The 2015 is gorgeous; a profound yet reserved Domaine de Chevalier that reveals itself slowly. Initially it is understated with notes of smoky cassis. As it opens up, it displays damsons and raspberry liqueur fruit. It is subtle wine of charm and sophistication with a latent power that will help it to age gracefully for decades. Produced from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% merlot and 5% Petit Verdot and cropped at 35 hl/ha.
critic reviews
The 2015 Domaine de Chevalier has a typical nose from this Pessac-Léognan estate. It's understated but beguiling, with cedar, undergrowth-tinged red fruit and just a subtle background dab of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. This is fleshy for a Domaine de Chevalier and perhaps has less grip. A judicious dash of black pepper enlivens the finish and there is a bit more persistence than I recall. The 2015 is delicious from the start. Tasted at the 2015 Ten-Year-On tasting at Bordeaux Index.
At a perfect moment to start drinking, plenty of grip, slate, crayon and liquorice bud, graphite and cassis, black tea and peppercorns, very Left Bank, very Chevalier, very delicious. Olivier Bernard owner.
Deep garnet in color, the 2015 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge needs a little coaxing to reveal notes of baked black cherries, redcurrant jelly, and plum preserves with suggestions of unsmoked cigars, tapenade, and rosehip tea. The medium-bodied palate has intense red and black berry preserves layers with a firm structure of grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
The 2015 Domaine de Chevalier is composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. It went through malolactic and aging on its lees during three months in 35% new, 35% one-year-old and 30% two-year-old barrels, with a total aging of 18 months. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it has lovely spiciness on the noseChinese five spice and black pepperwith a core of red and black cherries and smoked meats. Medium-bodied, finely crafted and refreshing, it's quite minerally in the mouth and persistent on the finish.