Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Grand Cru Classé,

Exactly as you hope to find a great Bordeaux at this stage, still very much firm in its tannic structure, rippled with clear cinammon, turmeric and black pepper notes alongside creamy cassis, blackberry, bilberry, cigar box, smoked earth. A brilliant Chevalier. 38hl/h yield.

The 2020 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the gate with pronounced notes of blackcurrant cordial, juicy blackberries, and mossy tree bark, giving way to notes of licorice, crushed rocks, and pencil lead. The medium to full-bodied palate is taut with muscular black fruits and mineral accents, framed by firm, grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long and perfumed.

The 2020 Domaine de Chevalier has a concentrated, well-defined bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, tobacco, hickory and wild hedgerow. Touches of pressed iris flower surface with aeration. Generous, yet it maintains ample delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, white pepper and touches of tobacco, very fine depth, focused and perhaps a little more muscular than other vintages with a sapid finish that is surprising given the growing season. Superb.